Northern Wilds April 2021 by Northern Wilds Magazine

GOOSEBERRY FALLS — ARTISAN BREAD — NEW ART EXHIBITS — SISU COFFEE PROJECT

FREE!

FOR THE

LOVE

APR 2021

OF THE

NORTH

VOLUME 18 ISSUE 04

TWO HARBORS SILVER BAY TOFTE LUTSEN GRAND MARAIS GUNFLINT TRAIL GRAND PORTAGE THUNDER BAY NIPIGON

OUTDOORS EVENTS ARTS REVIEWS HEALTH DINING CALENDAR CATCHLIGHT

Adventure Awaits

POST OFFICE BOX HOLDER LOCAL HWY. CONTRACT ROUTE Grand Marais, MN 55604 Permit #45

Includes

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID

NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

page 38

“The finest Realtor I’ve ever worked with in my life.” -Tim K.

HOVLAND, MN A premier builder’s private estate at waters edge on Lake Superior! Just 18 miles to Grand Marais, 4 to Devils Kettle Falls, 15 to Isle Royale ferry, 22 to Canada. Mesmerizing views of Lake Superior toward Isle Royale. The home was custom built in 2004 by a master builder for his family. 3+ bedrooms - all are main floor with a lakeview. A sprawling great room offers natural light pouring in window walls, a soapstone fireplace, in-floor heat & glass doors open to an 80 foot lakefront deck. The stainless/granite kitchen features an island and butler’s pantry and is open to the great room & dining room - all lakeside. The lakeside main floor master has a fireplace, a bath with a lakeview tub, and glass doors open to the deck. An upstairs lakeside office could be an additional bedroom. The walkout garden level is currently being used as a studio. Attached 2 stall garage & workshop. OFFERED AT

$1,450,000

DETAILS

3 BD/3 BTH

4,877 SF

1.9 ACRES

270 FT SHORELINE

NE Minnesota - Lake Superior - Lake Vermilion - Ely - Giants Ridge

www.JanischRealty.com

FREE DAY AT THE DENTIST Monday, April 26 For uninsured patients that are: 18 months - 26 years old or pregnant people of any age!

oral health task force

Call Grand Marais Family Dentistry to make an appointment.

218-387-2774

Exams 2

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

Fluoride

Cleaning

X-Rays

Is it spring already? Springs seems to have arrived early this year, but at this latitude it is wise to be cautiously optimistic. April is as likely to deliver snow as rain, sometimes in copious amounts. You might say the weather around here has ways to keep us humble. Besides, an early spring isn’t necessarily welcome in the Northern Wilds unless it is accompanied with ample precipitation. Spring wildfires are common and really get rolling in dry conditions. The Ham Lake Fire of 2007 is a not-to-distant memory. In this issue, Eric Chandler talks to wildfire experts about their plans for the coming fire season. Suffice to say they are ready, willing and able.

Do you have a question for one of our writers? Or an interesting photo, recipe, or story you’d like to share with Northern Wilds? Please send it to storyideas@northernwilds. com.

This is the time of year when running water is the sweetest of sounds and we all eagerly wait the retreat of the ice so we can get out on open water. To get us primed for open water adventures, Matt Graves tells of his circumnavigation of Isle Royale last summer in a 15-foot Sunfish sailboat. Eric Chandler profiles a well-known Northern Wilds adventurer, Duluth outdoor writer Sam Cook, who, in retirement, spends as many nights sleeping on the ground as he can. If you’d rather sleep on a bed, but still want to get outside and enjoy that sound of running water, Rae Poynter writes about Gooseberry Falls State Park, the North Shore’s most popular attraction.

Open water also means fishing. Gord Ellis outlines some early spring options for anglers itching to get out. Joe Shead tells us how the fish species we may catch in the Cascade River change with the seasons. We like to give credit where it is due, which certainly applies to the Sisu Coffee Project. Eric Weicht explains how three local businesses have teamed up to raise money for the community— with impressive results. Crafter Elise Kyllo tells about a community project she is planning to create felted wool murals. The annual ritual of installing the dock at his grandmother’s cabin gave Joe Shead a deeper appreciation of her and the life she led. Rae Poynter looks into the long history of Grand Marais State Bank, revealing why it is truly a community institution. You’ll find many more stories in this issue, as well as ads from the many businesses that allow us to bring this magazine to you. Here’s hoping that April brings some snow and showers to reduce wildfire danger and give you some indoor time to enjoy reading Northern Wilds. —Shawn Perich and Amber Pratt

Want a Good Read?

Check out our bookstore online. New

New

of Lake Superior’s North Shore

t 15

20 30

5 10

Portage to Skipper Lake

30 40

15 20

10 15

50 40

40 30

5 10 15 20 30 40 60

70 60

50 40 30 20

5 5

10 10

5 10 5

Out

let

Cook County, Minnesota

Where the Fish Are! Cook County, Minnesota is a guide to 366 lakes with data about the fish species and population status, public access and acreage. Contour maps for 68 popular fishing lakes are included.

20 15

Cook County is justly famed for its quality fishing. From wilderness waters teeming with trophy walleyes to secluded ponds Prune Lake stocked with brook trout, this county provides wonderful fishing opportunities. Lake trout, smallmouth bass, walleyes, northern pike, black crappies, yellow perch, whitefish, muskies and stream trout swim in the county’s lakes. This book tells you where to find them.

Gunfl int Tra

15 30

Where do you start? Right here.

Superior Hiking Trail

WALLEYES, BROOKIES, PIKE, LAKERS, BASS AND MORE

So many lakes…so little time to fish.

THE

Portage to Swamp Lake

Lizz Lake

“Inside this book, endless fishing adventures await.”

PLANNING, RESUPPLYING, SAFETY, BEARS, BUGS, AND MORE

The Historic Beacons of Minnesota, Isle Royale and Ontario

10 5

Inlet

Where the Fish Are!

ThruHike

lighthousEs

CATCH:

Inle

THE ALEC BOOSTROM STORY

Boundary Waters Boy

—Shawn Perich Outdoor Writer and Publisher

BY ANNIE NELSON

$14.95 ISBN 978-0-9740207-7-8

51495> Northern Wilds Media, Inc. of Grand Marais publishes the monthly Northern Wilds magazine, which is available at dozens of North Shore locations from Duluth to Thunder Bay. Printed in the United States by Northern Wilds Print & Copy. www.northernwilds.com

By Jack Blackwell

By EllE AndrA-WArnEr

A comprehensive guide to the lighthouses and navigational beacons from Duluth, Minnesota to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Learn about the storms and shipwrecks that led to their construction, the lonely lives of the keepers and the role lighthouses play in present-day maritime navigation. $22.95

Veteran long-distance hiker Annie Nelson compiled the information and advice you need for a successful thru-hike adventure on the 310-mile Superior Hiking Trail. $14.95

Seventeen-year-old Jack Blackwell joined his grandfather, Alec Boostrom, on his northern Minnesota wilderness trapline. There he learned the story of his grandfather’s life of wilderness adventure on Lake Superior’s North Shore and deep within the canoe country. $14.95

Join the authors on the trails that lead to the magnificent waterfalls of Lake Superior’s North Shore. Maps and directions to over 150 waterfalls are included in this unique guide. $19.95

A guide to over 350 fishing lakes Includes 68 depth contour maps

9 780974 020778

One devastating day in November, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald succumbed to gale-force winds, plunging to the bottom of Lake Superior and leaving no survivors. This haunting tale looks back to one of the most legendary, mysterious and controversial shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. $9.95

From wilderness waters teeming with trophy walleyes to secluded ponds stocked with brook trout, this guide contains data about fish populations and access for 366 lakes. Contour maps for 68 popular fishing lakes are included. $14.95

s h o p . n o r t h e r nw i l d s . c o m NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

GET READY FOR OUTDOOR LIVING

Gardening Supplies • Grass Seed

• Pots & Planters

• Hoses

• Heat Mat

• Sprinklers

• Hydroponics

Time for a Fresh Coat Paints & Stains

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

www.buckshardware.net · BIG CITY PRICES ... SMALL TOWN SERVICE 218-387-2280 · Open 7 Days A Week • Downtown Grand Marais

APRIL

2021

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 4 w w w . n o r t h e r nw i l d s .c o m SERVING THE NORTH SHORE A ND T H E WI L D E R N E S S BE Y O N D PUBLISHERS Shawn Perich & Amber Pratt EDITORIAL Shawn Perich, Editor editor@northernwilds.com Breana Roy, Managing Editor breana@northernwilds.com

ADVERTISING Amber Pratt, Sales Manager ads@northernwilds.com Destry Winant, Sales Assistant destry@northernwilds.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Katie Viren • katie@northernwilds.com OFFICE Roseanne Cooley • billing@northernwilds.com CONTRIBUTORS Elle Andra-Warner, Kim Casey, Eric Chandler, Gord Ellis, Matt Graves, Elise Kyllo, Deane Morrison, Hartley Newell-Acero, Rae Poynter, Julia Prinselaar, Amy Schmidt, Joe Shead, Chuck Viren, Eric Weicht, Sam Zimmerman Copyright 2021 by Northern Wilds Media, Inc. Published 12 times per year. Subscription rate is $28 per year or $52 for 2 years U.S. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part requires written permission from the publishers. Northern Wilds Media, Inc. P.O. Box 26, Grand Marais, MN 55604 (218) 387-9475 (phone/fax) PRINT & DESIGN print@northernwilds.com

Where can I find Northern Wilds Magazine? Go to: northernwilds.com/distribution

AD DEADLINE April 14

21 FEATURES 18 Sam Cook Tries to Sleep on the Ground An interview with a retired outdoor writer

20 Largest Lake—Tiny Sailboat Sailing around Isle Royale on a Sunfish

REAL ESTATE 38 Lutsen Real Estate Group 40 Backlund Realty 41 Coldwell Banker North Shore 44 Red Pine Realty 47 Bluefin Bay, Remax 48 Timber Wolff Realty

Take the North Shore home with you! From Duluth to Thunder Bay, Ont. and beyond, we cover the stories from the area featuring the people and places that make this place unique.

Cover

DEPARTMENTS 6 Along the Shore 16 Points North 22 Spotlight 25 Events 27 Dining 29 Health 30 Northern Trails

Boundary Waters by Ken Harmon

31 Fishing Hole 32 Wild Traditions 33 Following the Ancestor’s Steps 34 Northern Sky 35 Reviews 36 Strange Tales

PLEASE CHOOSE ONE: UNITED STATES

Name:_____________________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________ City:_____________________________________________ St./Prov:____________________ Zip/PC:___________________ Email:_____________________________________________ Tel:_____________________________________________

Subscribe Online at http://bit.ly/NWSub Single issues also available. We do not sell or share subscription information.

 One Year 12 issues $28 USD  Two Year 24 issues $52 USD CANADA

 One Year 12 issues $36 USD  Two Year 24 issues $68 USD Please cut this out and mail with your check to:

Northern Wilds Media, P.O. Box 26, Grand Marais, MN, 55604

NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

Gooseberry Falls State Park contains five waterfalls and numerous hiking trails. | AUDREY BUTTS

Exploring Gooseberry Falls State Park TWO HARBORS— With five waterfalls, lakeshore and numerous hiking trails, it is easy to see why Gooseberry is Minnesota’s most-visited state park. Of the North Shore’s eight state parks, Gooseberry is the closest to the Twin Ports, and thus gets the nickname “The Gateway to the North Shore.” While Gooseberry Falls is often on the list of must-see places for first-time visitors to the North Shore, the park’s iconic draw makes it a memorable stop for both new and longtime visitors. Gooseberry Falls’ history as a state park began when Minnesota State Legislature moved to preserve the area as a park in 1933, and when the Civilian Conservation Corps began to develop the park in 1934. For seven years, young men seeking work during the Great Depression constructed numerous trails, buildings, and the emblematic stone retaining wall, descriptively dubbed the “Castle Wall.” The CCC’s work paved the way for Gooseberry Falls to become what it is today: Minnesota’s best-loved state park. For those looking to take a hike at Gooseberry Falls, the park offers several different trails at different distances and activity levels. A 1-mile, wheelchair-accessible trail leads from the visitor center to a view of the Upper Falls. A popular short hike is the Falls Loop, which follows trails on both sides of the river and crosses over three bridges to give hikers spectacular views of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls. The Falls Loop is a great option for visitors who want to get

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

a quick taste of Gooseberry Falls and see some of its most impressive sites. For those wanting to get farther in the woods, the Fifth Falls hike is a 2-mile loop to the—you guessed it—fifth set of waterfalls in Gooseberry Falls State Park. Hikers follow the Gooseberry River, and can keep an eye out for potholes and caves along the river. Apart from waterfalls, Gooseberry Falls is also home to the Picnic Flow, an expansive area of shoreline at the mouth of the river. A hiking trail starting at the Middle Falls follows the Gooseberry River down to the shoreline and the Lakeview Shelter, a picnic shelter constructed by the CCC that can be rented for events. (There is also vehicle access to the Lakeview Shelter and lakeshore through the campground.) Visitors can spend time exploring the rocky lakeshore, and the Picnic Flow area makes a great place to stop and take a break after a day of hiking. While interpretive events are currently on hold, it turns out there really is an app for everything, including Gooseberry Falls. For those who miss the events and interpretive exhibits of the visitor center, the free Gooseberry Falls Go app from the Minnesota DNR gives users a wealth of information about the park, including the park’s natural and human history, the wildlife in the park, and ideas for trails to explore. Users can learn to identify different rocks and trees, and can even do a virtual interpretive hike. Since Gooseberry Falls is extremely popular, it is recommended that visitors stop by

Of the North Shore’s eight state parks, Gooseberry is the closest to the Twin Ports, and thus gets the nickname “The Gateway to the North Shore.” | AUDREY BUTTS the park at off-peak times to spend more time enjoying nature and less time waiting for a parking spot. If possible, plan to visit on a weekday and avoid visiting the park on summer weekends and holidays. Early morning or later evening hours make great times to visit, and visiting during off-peak months like April and November will mean getting to enjoy more of the trails to yourself. The park is open daily from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Parking at the visitor center is free; vehicle passes

are required for the campground and Lakeview Shelter. Currently, the 24-hour access portion of the Visitor Center with restroom access is open, while the gift shop and interpretive center remain closed due to the pandemic. Updates will be posted on the Gooseberry Falls State Park page of the Minnesota DNR website.—Rae Poynter

A view of the Middle Falls. | AUDREY BUTTS

A popular short trail is the Falls Loop, which gives hikers spectacular views of the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls, which is shown here. | AUDREY BUTTS

Northshore Shuttles GET A LIFT! • Return to your car or to the trailhead. • Reservations are accepted, and recommended. • Special rates for thru hike hikers

APRIL SPECIAL

20% off shuttles for thru hikers for the 2021 hiking season. This offer will apply to all hikers

that are planning on hiking the entire Superior hiking trail in 2021. Reservation must be paid in full at the time of booking in order to receive the 20% off.

608-921-9400 facebook.com/hikethenorthshore NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

Looking back on history

Grand Marais State Bank

GRAND MARAIS— For over 100 years, Grand Marais State Bank has been focused on serving the local community in Cook County. As the only financial institution in the county for many years, the Grand Marais State Bank has been essential to the local economy, and since its inception has blended longstanding community values with forward-thinking innovation. Rick Anderson is a fifth-generation Cook County resident and the grandson of Carrie Anderson and Allan Magnus “A.M.” Anderson, the original owner of the bank. A.M., who moved to Grand Marais in 1910, and his brothers-in-law founded the bank in 1916 after purchasing the remaining assets of the Cook County State Bank. A.M. had worked as a cashier at the Cook County State Bank, and both his work and educational experience prepared him for his new role of owner and president of the Grand Marais State Bank.

The Grand Marais State Bank was originally located downtown where the Gunflint Tavern is now. | SUBMITTED

“My grandfather had a college degree, which was something most people didn’t have in those days,” Rick said. “He graduated from a business college in Nebraska, so he had the technical skill to put together that business plan.” With the help of his brothers-in-law—who were among the first County Commissioners, successful commercial fisherman, and “jacks of all trade”—A.M. oversaw the launch that was the genesis of the Grand Marais State Bank.

State Bank, as they had to drive the ledger 240 miles round-trip to Duluth so it could be entered in the systems there. This was done for several months until the bank got the computer hardware to send the ledgers electronically. In the 1980s the Tofte branch was added, which was unprecedented at the time since state regulations limited how far away a bank branch could be before it had to be considered a new bank. Due to the remoteness of Cook County, an exception was made so the Tofte branch of Grand Marais State Bank could open.

Originally located in downtown Grand Marais where the Gunflint Tavern is today, the Grand Marais State Bank has weathered the ups and downs over the last century, including the stock market crash of 1929 and the ensuing Great Depression. In fact, it was one of the few smaller banks that remained open during the crisis, a testament, Rick says, to his grandfather’s values, and how he had enough collateral in the bank to make it secure. “Times were tough, but there was a huge trust people had of the local business community,” Rick said. “There were small resorts up the Gunflint Trail that were sustained through the bank. A stable bank was critical to the local economy, and everyone banked locally.” Integral to the history of the Grand Marais State Bank was the role of Carrie, Rick’s grandmother. Carrie worked full-time as the bank’s cashier, in a time when women rarely had employment outside the home. “I remember when I worked at the bank in high school, she has these incredible handwritten ledgers in her beautiful cursive handwriting,” Rick said. “Of course, there were no computers back then, so everything was journal-entried by her in these ledgers.” Carrie’s work helped make the Grand Marais State Bank the successful endeavor that it was, and she went on to become one of the early officers in the National Association of Bank Women.

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

When Dick retired in the late 1980s, the Grand Marais State Bank was sold outside of the Anderson family and moved to its current location. Among all the changes through the years, it continues to be a community-focused bank that serves many of the same families and businesses it has served for years. While Rick’s career path was in the tourism industry, rather than the finance world, he credits his work at the bank with the lessons that became foundational to his career.

State senator Ray Higgins [LEFT] with Grand Marais State Bank president Anderson [RIGHT]. | SUBMITTED When A.M. retired, Rick’s father, Richard “Dick” Anderson took over leadership of the bank. It was when his parents owned the bank that Rick recalls the story of the moose meat. “My folks were always avid hunters and always had moose meat in the freezer. One thing about the bank is that people always had a great trust in it. The lumberjacks worked in the woods and would come spend the weekend in town before heading back. They were paid in cash, and after they were paid they would come to the house with their pocket full of cash. Mom would

greet them and the lumberjacks would take out what they needed, and the rest would be put in an envelope in the freezer next to the moose meat, since it was the last place people would look. It was literally cold cash. There was a steady stream of the lumberjacks in the 60s,” Rick said. As time passed, many changes came to the Grand Marais State Bank, including offering health benefits to employees in the 1960s, which was not commonplace for employers of the time. Computers became integral to the financial world in the 1970s, which was a big deal for the Grand Marais

“It was drilled on a daily basis that we had a service business, nothing more, nothing less,” he said. “Yes, it was a financial institution, but it was only as good as the service. I took that lesson to heart in my life, having learned everything I needed to learn about service from the Grand Marais State Bank, and learning that has helped me in all of my endeavors.”—Rae Poynter

ESCAPE TO THE GUNFLINT TRAIL The cozy little cabin on the hill high above the lake. | SUBMITTED

A Bridge Across Generations TWO HARBORS— Putting in the dock each spring isn’t a bad job; it’s just a cold one. But all the summertime splashing, jumping and playing wouldn’t be possible without it. However, it wasn’t until after I graduated from college that I discovered our dock has an even better purpose. One summer evening, after a busy day of playing in the water, I found myself alone with my grandma on the dock, dangling our toes in front of brave sunfish and sharing a pizza from the local pizza joint. We talked about all the usual stuff— family, fishing and other things—but the conversation took on a new twist. Grandma started talking about the history of her cabin on the lake. She told me how she used to bring my mother to the lake on summer weekends and how each year, she and my mother would rent a cabin here for a week at a time. Grandma fell in love with the lake and vowed if she ever found a place for sale on it, she’d buy it. And she did. The previous owners of her cabin, the Niemis, were Finnish immigrants who chopped holes in the ice to bathe in the winter after sweating in the steamy sauna. In summer, the neighboring women came down to the lake to bathe every morning, then trudged back up the hill to their cabins to start breakfast while the men took their morning bath. When my grandparents sat down to work out the details of buying the cabin from the Niemis, Mrs. Niemi was so emotionally stirred that she leapt to her feet and tore up the paperwork. I see now why she was so attached to the place. Grandma remembered when the mail at the lake was delivered by horses, and how there used to be lake trout in the lake’s deep, cold water until they were fished out decades ago. She rattled off all sorts of facts about the lake’s natural history as well. It seemed as if Grandma felt an obligation to tell me everything she knew about the lake, and I didn’t interrupt her. I was too focused on her stories to even eat my pizza. This spring, Grandma and I were alone at the lake again. I sat down next to her on a flat-topped boulder that used to be the first step onto our dock years ago, before we relocated it to where the beach was better for swimming a few yards away. Grandma immediately started in on the lake’s history again, telling me new stories. In her most dramatic story, Grandma told me about my Grandpa, who died when I was just a boy. I knew that he used to be a delivery driver, but Grandma told me that previously, he was a detective who had a special talent for helping the poor and underprivileged. Grandma said that Grandpa loved his job and was very good at it, but one of

Author Joe Shead sitting on the dock with his Grandma in the early 2000s. | SUBMITTED the men whom he arrested framed him, forcing him out of his beloved work. Needless to say, I was amazed. As Grandma continued on, she spoke of the history of her lakefront home, and she even showed me the yellowed, crinkled deed to her cherished property, which consists of about an acre of land, a cabin and a boathouse with a sauna above it. The cabin and the boathouse have remained unmodified for years. I wouldn’t say they’re rundown; rather, I think so many snowy winters filled with giggling children on sleds and lazy summers with suntanned swimmers have gone by that the buildings now have a timeless sense about them. As for the sauna, when I was younger, I thought the old wooden building, with its shifting foundation and doors that won’t close tightly anymore, was just a place to store fishing poles and water toys. That’s what we used it for, anyway. But one summer, after I learned its real purpose, we cleared it out and re-stoked both the fire and the spirit of the Finnish relic for the first time in 20 years. Now we understand and appreciate what those Finnish immigrants knew all along. In 2020 we celebrated our 50th year of owning the cabin. Sadly, we lost Grandma on Dec. 10 this year. She was 88. It seems each spring, I’m always the one who is assigned to the deep side of the dock as we erect it over the frigid May waters. But I don’t mind. I no longer see our dock as just a platform to walk on. Nowadays, I see it as a bridge across generations.—Joe Shead

Rockwood Lodge & Outfitters

www.rockwoodbwca.com 218.388.2242 NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

Glesener described Minnesota’s overall framework for wildfire response, saying “The Fire Center [MIFC] is really the building. The decision-making, the planning, and all the day-to-day activity among the agencies in order to provide a unified response occurs through the Incident Command System [MNICS].” In other words, the MIFC is like the body and the MNICS staff members are like the brain. “We have three interagency incident management teams comprised of staff across all of the agencies within the state. That includes the DNR, USFS, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and National Park Service,” said Glesener. Tim Engrav, Public Information Officer with the Superior National Forest, described personnel topics leading into fire season. “In northeastern Minnesota our fire engines, we call them fire modules (that’s an engine and usually a chase truck with anywhere from four to eight employees) work out of our district offices. That’s Cook, Aurora, Ely, Grand Marais, Tofte and sometimes Isabella,” said Engrav. “We’re hiring our temporary employees for the summer. Our workforce in the Forest Service gets larger in the spring and summer to staff those fire modules.” Staff members get annual firefighting refresher training and review safety topics like how to deploy a fire shelter. They also take a physical fitness test before fire season.

Beaver float plane near Ely, 2020. | LEANNE LANGEBERG, MINNESOTA INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER

State and federal agencies prep for wildfire season DULUTH— Agencies in the Arrowhead like the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are getting ready for the approaching wildfire season. Their efforts are focused on personnel, equipment and the weather. “Fire season is always driven by the weather,” said William Glesener, DNR Wildfire Operations Supervisor. “For 2021, we’re heading into a spring season that is on the dry side. We have abnormally dry to drought

conditions noticeable throughout the state. The Arrowhead currently is abnormally dry. We have staff, both from the USFS and the DNR, that monitor the climatology and the weather to make sure that we’re prepared for switches in weather. Currently the snowpack is low. We plan for different weather scenarios and we have processes in place to identify the fire danger, and then the preparedness of our staff increases and decreases according to that weather.”

“It’s officially called the work capacity test, but a lot of people refer to it as the ‘pack test’ because you’re carrying a 45-pound pack. That’s for firefighters who are going to work on the fire line,” said Engrav. Aaron Mielke, DNR Assistant Area Supervisor & Fire Program Forester based in Grand Marais, described some of the equipment preparations.

“I help to coordinate the information effort when we are in spring wildfire season and the active wildfire season,” said Langeberg.

“We’ve got various kinds of Type 6, they’re the smaller fire engines that the state has a fleet of. The tanks and pumps get taken out and winterized and put in cold storage because the trucks are still used throughout the winter. We have some tracked vehicle equipment, too. Those are all gone through by mechanics to make sure they’re up to snuff before the season starts,” Mielke said. “We’re also touching base with all our local fire departments. They’re another big key player in wildfire suppression across the state.”

Her job is in the nerve center for wildland firefighting, the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS).

Aircraft play a key part in wildfire suppression. Glesener said, “We contract for aerial detection planes, helicopters, airtankers and

Leanne Langeberg is a Public Information Officer for the DNR based at the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center (MIFC) in Grand Rapids.

Since 1916

SERVING OUR COMUNITY FOR OVER 100 YEARS www.GrandMaraisStateBank.com • Phone: (218)387-2441 • 211 East Hwy 61 • PO Box 100, Grand Marais, MN 55604 10

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

Firefighter carrying a drip torch. Drip torches are one of the tools used when creating fuel breaks to slow the spread of advancing wildfire, or for prescribed burns. | LEANNE LANGEBERG, MINNESOTA INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER water scoopers. We have nearly 200 DNR employees involved in wildfire aviation programs as helicopter crew members, retardant mix masters, dispatchers, and other types of resources.” There are two main airtanker bases near the Arrowhead: the DNR base at the Hibbing airport and the USFS base at the Ely airport. The USFS has a year-round aviation presence in Ely with a fleet of Beaver aircraft. Mielke said that helicopters sometimes operate out of the Grand Marais airport. Mielke also described forward refueling points used by helicopters. “They’re strategically located across our protection areas. Those are used in the event you get a fire in that area, and then you have somewhere that a helicopter can land to get set up to fight the fire. They can get the fuel truck in there and everything else. So, they’re operating closer to the fire than having to come all the way back to the airport,” said Mielke. Hundreds of dedicated professionals in several organizations stand ready with their equipment keeping a watchful eye on the weather as the fire season approaches here in the Arrowhead of Minnesota. —Eric Chandler

Explore THE BOUNDARY WATERS

Fire Boss aircraft near Lake Hattie Fire. May 5, 2016. | LEANNE LANGEBERG, MINNESOTA INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER

PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE AT

VISITCOOKCOUNTY.COM

LUSTEN • TOFTE • SCHROEDER | GRAND MARAIS | GUNFLINT TRAIL | GRAND PORTAGE

NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

Sisu Coffee Project GRAND MARAIS—The Sisu Coffee Project is, in every sense of the word, a community project.

need to meet in order to qualify for help,” continues Hoaglund, “so one of the benefits of a project like ours is the immediacy of the help that we are able to provide. The county has been a great resource in this way, providing insight into where our dollars will have the largest impact.”

Inspired by the resiliency of the North Shore and its inhabitants, the Sisu Coffee Project is a collaboration between three Cook County businesses. Java Moose, Fika Coffee and Hoaglund Designs have come together through Sisu to provide financial support to community members in need by doing what these small businesses do best: selling coffee.

The Sisu Project’s goal is to ultimately raise $30,000 to put towards this effort by selling 3,000 bags of Sisu Coffee. As of March 1, the Sisu Coffee Project had sold 2,158 bags of coffee and raised $21,580 for the community.

“It all started after the fires last spring,” says Josh Lindstrom, founder and owner of Fika Coffee, referring to the fires that destroyed three beloved North Shore businesses—The Crooked Spoon, Picnic & Pine, and White Pine—in downtown Grand Marais during one of the darkest moments of the COVID-19 pandemic.

An extensive and up-to-date list of all of the community good being done by the Sisu Coffee Project can be found on the Sisu website.

“Hannah (owner of Hoaglund Designs) does some marketing work for Fika,” continues Lindstrom, “so we talk on a regular basis, and it was in one of these discussions right after the fires that I brought up the idea of doing a community coffee blend.”

[LEFT] The Sisu Coffee Project is a collaboration between three Cook County

“So, when Sarah at Java Moose reached out a few days later with a similar idea,” continues Lindstrom, “I was like ‘absolutely, let’s make this happen.’”

“So many people in our community have tried to pit Java Moose against Fika,” adds Jorgenson-Hallberg, “or peg us as competition, but nobody ever asked us how we feel about that.”

And make it happen they did. After ironing out the concept of a “community coffee blend” and settling the details of the endeavor, the three businesses came together to make the Sisu Coffee Project a reality. Lindstrom got to work roasting a special blend of coffee for the initiative, while Hannah Hoaglund designed the graphics for the bag and put together a website.

businesses: Java Moose, Fika Coffee and Hoaglund Designs. | SUBMITTED

[RIGHT] “Sisu has been a way for us to give back to this community that has done

so, so very much for us,” says Sarah Jorgenson of Java Moose. | SUBMITTED

“We’ve always only wished the best for one another,” continues Jorgenson-Hallberg, “because what makes one of us better, makes us all better. Being able to come together with Josh and Hannah through this project has been an incredible experience, it’s what this community is all about.”

Meanwhile, Sarah Jorgenson-Hallberg prepared Java Moose to start selling and promoting Sisu Coffee as soon as it was ready for the shelves.

The three entrepreneurs decided to name the project “Sisu,” a Finnish word that speaks to one’s ability to “keep fighting, against all odds, when others have given up,” something that they believe is at the heart of the North Shore community and the project’s mission as a whole.

“I think everybody brings so much to the table,” says Jorgenson-Hallberg, “Josh roasts great coffee, Hannah builds incredible websites and spins a beautiful story, and we have the visibility.”

“This project was never just about the three of us,” says Jorgenson-Hallberg, “it’s about the community and the people who love this place that we are so fortunate to call home.”

“Sisu has been a way for us to give back to this community that has done so, so very much for us,” continues Jorgenson-Hallberg. “But more than that, it has allowed our visitors to be a part of that effort, it’s given them a way to give back to a place that they hold close in their hearts.” Today, Sisu Coffee is a special blend of coffee that can be purchased either online or in-store at both Fika Coffee and Java Moose, where $10 from each bag sold is used to “support the livelihoods and everyday needs” of the Cook County community. Lindstrom, Jorgenson-Hallberg, and Hoaglund work together when deciding where best to direct the revenue from the project, relying heavily on local nominations received through the Sisu website. “One of the driving motivations for this project,” says Hoaglund, “was to meet needs within the community that wouldn’t otherwise be taken care of.” “There can be a lot of requirements, regulations and things of that nature that people

If you’re above here, you’ve got it made here. A home of your very own, made easier by people who treat you like one of their own. Learn more about our market-leading rates and accelerated closing dates online or at any of our seven locations. northshorefcu.org/mortgage

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

When asked whether or not the project would continue after reaching its goal of raising $30,000 for the community, Lindstrom left his answer open ended. “I think that there is some desire to keep the project going,” says Lindstrom, “but what that would look like is still up in the air.” “One challenge that both Sarah and I have come across,” adds Lindstrom, “are people who just want to donate money to the cause without buying coffee. The other day I had a guy stop in the shop and try to donate $6,000 dollars!” “So maybe down the road we will turn this project into something where we can accept donations like that,” continues Lindstrom, “or maybe we won’t. I think that there is a definite value in the creation and production of a product to go hand in hand with the donation. It involves more of the community; it touches not only those giving and receiving the donation, but also the people and businesses that create that product. It creates jobs and builds relationships between people.” To confidentially nominate someone in need for the Sisu project, keep up to date on the projects progress, or purchase your own bag of Sisu coffee, visit: sisucoffeeproject.com. Or stop by Java Moose in Grand Marais or Fika Coffee shop in Lutsen. —Eric Weicht

DNR adjusts how married anglers and hunters buy combination licenses ST. PAUL— Both members of married couples who want to purchase a combination angling or hunting license in person will need to be present at the sales location. The Minnesota DNR now requires both spouses to provide and verify their own complete customer records on file to purchase a combination license. “These changes will bring the DNR into compliance with state and federal laws that require collecting this information for angling or hunting license sales,” said Steve Michaels, licensing program director. “The information helps prevent licenses being sold to people with violations or unpaid fines.” Customers will continue to pay the same price for combination licenses, which are discounted compared with purchasing two individual licenses. When purchasing a combination license in person, both spouses must be present, and, if age 21 or older, also must provide their current Minnesota driver’s licenses or identification cards. If both spouses are not present, the person present may purchase their part of the license and their spouse

may obtain their license at a later date at no additional charge. If a spouse does not have a record on file with the DNR, that spouse can create one with their full name, birth date and social security number. If they are a Minnesota resident age 21 or older, they also will need a current Minnesota driver’s license or current Minnesota identification card. They can create their record anywhere DNR licenses are sold, or call the DNR license center at 877-348-0498 or 651-297-1230 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. New resident customer records for people age 21 and over cannot be created online.

THE DNR OFFERS THE FOLLOWING MARRIED COMBINATION LICENSES:

The program, which launched in summer 2019, creates pathways to natural resources and environmental careers for underrepresented students—racial or ethnic minorities, women, or individuals with disabilities—who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in science, technology, engineering, or math. “The most beneficial thing about the IDEC program is the safe space it provides to explore opportunities free of judgment, while also making friends,” said Tasha Kurtz, IDEC fellow and St. Cloud State University student. “It’s a way to meet and learn from a diverse group of people who are experiencing the same excitement and stress about entering the professional world.” The program consists of three parts: a fellowship with a stipend; a mentorship to connect students with professionals in the field; and an internship to provide students with field experience before graduation. After completing a first-year summer rotational internship, fellows can intern at the DNR, the MPCA or BWSR for their second and third summers. Instructions on how to apply and register for information sessions can be found on the Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa website. Fifteen to 18 applicants will

• Family nonresident angling, valid for one or both parents and dependent children under age 16. More information about purchasing licenses, including license agent locations, is available on the DNR website.

Kayak & Canoe Rentals S o l b a k ke n Re s o r t on Superior 218-663-7566 800-435-3950 4874 W Highway 61, Lutsen

www.solbakkenonsuperior.com

OPEN FOR THE SEASON!  Bedding Plants: annuals, perennials, shrubs, vegetables and herbs  Over 1000 Hanging Baskets from 6"-16"  1 gallon Tomato and Cucumber nursery cans  Perennials including Milkweed, Clematis, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and many more  We will plant your planters, hanging baskets, & cemetery baskets

• Angling, valid for fishing. • Conservation angling, valid for half the possession limit, per spouse. • Sports, valid for fishing for both spouses and small game hunting for one spouse.

Career pathway program seeking applicants ST. PAUL— Applications are being accepted until May 28 for the Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers (IDEC) program, a partnership between the Minnesota DNR, the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Board of Water and Soil Resources. The successful applicants will form the third cohort for this innovative program.

• Super Sports, valid for fishing for both spouses, small game for one spouse, includes two state trout stamps, and waterfowl and pheasant stamps for one spouse. It also offers the choice of a firearm, archery or muzzleloader deer license for one spouse.

Greenhouse Season Opens May 6th! duluthgreenhouse.com

4112 West Arrowhead Rd, Duluth, MN • (218) 728-3785 Mon-Sat 9 am-6 pm, Sun Noon- 6 pm

be selected for the third cohort and will start the program at the beginning of the fall 2021 academic term.

APPLICANTS MUST BE: • A full-time undergraduate student: • A high school senior who will be a college freshman in fall 2021 at a twoor four-year institution (not through PSEO); or • A first-year college student at a twoyear college in fall 2021; or • College sophomore or junior as of fall 2021. • An ethnic or racial minority, woman, or individual with a disability. (Definition of Disability defined by MN Statute 363A.03 Subd 12.) • Pursuing a STEM/Natural Resources degree. • Interested in working in a natural resources or environmental career after graduation. • Accepted to or enrolled in a two- or four-year, full-time program at an accredited Minnesota state, community, private or tribal college or university. • Willing to commit to the full IDEC program. • Authorized to work in the United States. The program is funded by the Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund.

NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

Feeling like you paid too much in taxes this year? Contact your ﬁnancial advisor today to learn about investing strategies that could beneﬁt you.

Claire S Smith

edwardjones.com

Financial Advisor

Member SIPC

P.O. Box 1237 Grand Marais, MN 55604 218-387-3588

Gary Nelson Red Rock’s warrior RED ROCK— Former Red Rock Mayor Gary Nelson possesses the soul of a warrior. Like all brave men born to lead, he is his happiest when he is taking on the challenges of life. “I’ve always been that way…I don’t really know where it came from,” he humbly explained. He was born in the railway town of Schreiber in 1942. His parents Charles and Martha had seven children and he was the second youngest. In the 1950s, the Nelson family relocated to Red Rock because Charles had found steady work at the Brompton Pulp and Paper Company as a locomotive operator. Nelson was eager to join the workforce and when he was 16, he began driving a delivery truck for the Chapples Department Store. It was based out of Thunder Bay City and it sold clothes, furniture and groceries throughout the region. As soon as the young man turned 18, he went to the mill where his father worked and applied for a job. It took six months of his constantly dropping by the personnel manager’s office before he was finally hired on. Nelson worked in every department of the mill, except for the paper machines. At the age of 38, he was promoted to foreman of the Shipyard and Grinder Room. He held this position for 20 years. He said that he never had to reprimand any of the staff. He credits this to his supervisor Gerald Sarrasin, who encouraged him to mingle. Nelson did this by visiting all the departments on a regular basis, and having coffee with the staff. “You got to bend a little bit…you got to give,” he says. In the early 1990s, the paper mill was experiencing some financial difficulties. Nelson and another employee had nothing to worry about, as their positions were secure. But not wanting any of the younger men to be laid off, they both took early retirements. Nelson explained that he and Carl Jarvela had been there long enough. Nelson is not the kind of person who waits for things to happen. He is all about getting involved and doing whatever he can to help others. When he was 41, he joined the Masonic Lodge in Red Rock and held the position of grand master for two years.

Down-home Northwoods Atmosphere

Mon-Sat: 11am - 8pm Closed Sunday

BEER &

WINE

Regional Beer on Tap!

MySistersPlaceRestaurant.com

Order Online! 218-387-1915 401 E. Hwy 61, Grand Marais $3 OFF Any Large PIZZA Take Out or Dine In Expires 4-30-21 14

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

“That’s an organization I’m very proud of,” he says. Nelson volunteered with the Red Rock Fire Department for 20 years, and retired as the chief. Over the last few years, he has been volunteering at a local club called Teen Town. He has also served on Red Rock’s Municipal Council for a total of 17 years. He did two-terms as a councillor and threeterms as mayor. Nelson has been married to Betty for 55 years. The beautiful brunette was born in East Angus, Quebec and came to Red Rock with her family when she was a child. The Anderson family stayed at the former internment camp down at Nipigon Bay, until the houses were finished on Rankin Street. Nelson and his wife have two children, Jamie and Tamara, five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. He is grateful that none of his family has had to leave the area.

Gary Nelson served on Red Rock’s Municipal Council for a total of 17 years. He did two terms as a councillor and three terms as mayor. | SUBMITTED His son works at Resolute Forest Products in Thunder Bay and his daughter is employed at the Nipigon District Memorial Hospital in the Health Records Department. Nelson never misses a chance to promote Red Rock and all its charms. He explained that the price of houses and property taxes are very reasonable. The bush and wildlife are breathtaking and nearby. There’s no pollution and very little crime. Thunder Bay and its International Airport are only 100-kilometers away. And there is a strong spirit of volunteerism amongst the Red Rock citizens. The award-winning Beautification Committee, which is run by a group of dedicated women, ensures the town always looks its best. Several retired men affiliated with the local Royal Canadian Legion drive residents to and from medical appointments. Hard-working volunteers run the annual Live From The Rock Folk Festival. Nelson indicated another reason the community is doing so well is because of Michael Gravelle. He has held the position of Ontario Liberal MPP for the Thunder Bay and Superior North Riding for numerous consecutive terms and has been a great source of support to Red Rock. The 78-year-old man that looks and acts far younger has achieved many things in his life. But what is even more impressive is that no matter what task he takes on, his primary motive is to help others and ensure Red Rock continues to thrive. —Kim Casey

Will the border re-open in July? GRAND PORTAGE—The U.S.-Canadian border has now been closed for more than a year to nearly everything except commercial traffic due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Not only is there no target date for reopening, but recent reporting has indicated neither country has developed a plan or parameters for doing so. As a result, businesses and individuals who rely on an open border are left in the dark with consequences ranging from inconvenient to disastrous. In northwestern Ontario, the tourism industry, especially numerous fishing lodges, are dependent upon U.S. customers. Minnesota typically hosts large numbers of Canadians who cross the border for shopping and entertainment. The closure has had a significant impact to the bottom lines of many businesses on both sides of the line. But there are other closure consequences that are social rather than economic. A recent letter to President Biden from some members of Congress representing border states pointed out that family members separated by the border have not been able to meet. Also, Americans who own properties in Canada have not been able to visit or maintain them. The challenge to reopening is easy to explain: the pandemic isn’t under control. At this writing, Thunder Bay is under restrictions due to a spike in new covid cases. The U.S. is making progress with mass vaccinations, with President Biden projecting that

everyone who wants one will be able to have it by the first of May. Canada, on the other hand, lags far behind the U.S. in vaccination rates and is only now seeing vaccines become somewhat more widely available. It is unlikely the border will reopen until both nations have achieved sufficient vaccination rates across the general population. Some Canadian tourism operators are hopeful that will occur sometime this summer. “It’s nice to hear the Biden Administration say they would like the border open by July 4. We’d like that, too,” said Laurie Marcil, executive director of Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (once known as Northern Ontario Tourism Outfitters). While her organization’s focus in the lodges and resorts, she said not only tourism operators are feeling the pinch, but also spinoff businesses that work with the industry, such as suppliers and air services. While the government has provided some relief for financially stressed businesses, such as partially forgivable loans, fee waivers and deferrals, businesses largely dependent on U.S. customers are uncertain when or if they will be able to open this year. Marcil and other tourism industry leaders have been sharing their concerns with federal and provincial officials. “Our operators are resilient, but we will not stop bringing attention to the challenges they are facing,” Marcil said. “They play a crucial role in the northern Ontario economy.”

Hopefully, U.S. and Canadian citizens will be able to hit the open road and cross the border sometime this summer. | SUBMITTED The Canadian government believes that everyone who wants to be will be vaccinated by July and hinted that the border may reopen then. But it is hard to build a business strategy based upon a hint. All business operators really know is that the border closure extensions last 30 days and have continued to be extended for another 30 days since the border closed last year.

Others are taking a pause until border reopens. Some have seen new clients who were drawn to the outdoors due to covid-related closures in other forms of recreation. Many businesses with repeat U.S. guests are allowing them to rebook their vacations for when the border reopens. And everyone has their fingers cross that the reopening will be sooner, rather than later.

“It’s frustrating, because we don’t know how long it will continue,” Marcil said.

“There is a light at the end of the tunnel,” Marcil said. “We’re just not sure where the light is and we need to know now so these businesses can plan appropriately.” —Shawn Perich

In the meantime, some businesses have worked to develop their domestic markets.

Money Exchange Parcel Pickup

WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSES taught by NOLS

Family Owned Since 1947

218-475-2330

Duty-Free Liquor 10,000 U.S. and Canadian Souvenirs

Gas

www.RydensBorderStore.com

Mark your calendars: April 22 - 23 and April 24 - 25 Find more information at stoneharborws.com • 218.387.3136

The North Shore’s full-fiber broadband network, providing phone & internet service throughout Cook County.

218-663-9030

O N T H E E A S T B AY I N G R A N D M A R A I S

TrueNorth@arrowhead.coop TrueNorthBroadband.com NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

Points North DNR changing rules for habitat plate spending By Shawn Perich

Minnesota’s critical habitat license plates are familiar sights when you drive the state’s roadways. The colorful plates feature familiar Minnesota critters, including loons, moose, white-tailed deer, pheasant and, most recently, a bumblebee. Created in 1995, the plates cost an additional $30 above the vehicle license fee and the money goes to the Re-invest in Minnesota (RIM) Critical Habitat account, which is dedicated to acquiring and protecting wild lands considered especially important wildlife habitat and plant communities. A portion of the license plate revenue goes to the Minnesota DNR’s Nongame Wildlife program, matching its primary funding source—the Chickadee Check-Off on the state income tax form. For habitat acquisition, the license plate revenues are matched with private donations of land or money, allowing the Minnesota DNR to permanently protect thousands of acres of wild lands that would otherwise be lost to development. Unfortunately, critical habitat acquisitions have lost momentum during the last six years. One reason is available revenues have exceeded matching donations, which by statute must be matched on a 1:1 basis. The statute also limits the annual Nongame Wildlife match to $985,000. The license plates presently generate about $5 million annually, up from a previous average of about $3 million per year. Money held in the Critical Habitat account has swollen to about $25 million. Since no pot of money goes unnoticed in the political realm, some state legislators unsuccessfully attempted to raid the account last year to fund an unrelated program overseen by the Board of Soil and Water Resources (BWSR). This year, there is legislation to siphon funds raised with the new pollinator (bumblebee) plate to fund yet another unrelated BWSR program. But the big news has been the DNR’s attempt to divert some of the license plate money to uses beyond the intent of the original statute. This year the DNR included a proposal in the Governor’s budget to rewrite the original statute and to change how license plate funds are matched and spent. The proposal prompted most of the state’s conservation organizations, large and small, to say, “Hey, wait a minute.” Simply put, there is a reason this money is statutorily dedicated to habitat acquisition: to prevent politicians and bureaucrats from spending it for other purposes. At this writing, the DNR is holding on16

APRIL 2021

going meetings with the conservationists and is close to finding common ground. Not all of what the DNR has proposed is controversial. The agency wants to change the critical habitat match from 1:1 to 1:2, meaning that every dollar donated can be matched with two dollars in critical habitat monies. This will better ensure that money raised for habitat protection will be spent for on-the-ground projects in a timely fashion. The agency and groups are dickering over increasing the cap for the Nongame Wildlife match from $985,000 to $1.5 million (conservationists) or 2 million (DNR). Some nongame advocates would like the cap to be even higher. The controversy centers on the portion of the proposal that would divert license plate money to work that is presently funded by other sources, such biological monitoring and evaluations. A case can be made that more of this work is necessary to guide decisions and management strategies for habitat protection and restoration, especially for nongame species and plant communities. Critics within the conservation want to ensure that if license plate dollars are used are spent for new work rather than supplanting present funding. They have reasons to be wary. The DNR’s critical habitat funding proposal is playing out against a backdrop where some of the agency’s recent habitat management decisions have raised the eyebrows of conservationists. Over a year ago, the agency announced that forests on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAS), lands purchased with hunting license surcharge monies to provide wildlife habitat

NORTHERN WILDS

and be open to public hunting, would be commercially logged to meet a newly increased statewide timber harvest quota. More recently, the agency announced a plan to begin recreational development on some WMAs located near urban areas, again straying from the intended purpose of providing wildlife habitat. An additional reality is that the agency is worried about future funding. The state legislature, which controls the purse strings, has significantly reduced spending on conservation over time. Hunting and fishing license revenues, which support the DNR’s fish and wildlife management programs, are projected to decline as aging Baby Boomers hang up their shotguns and fishing rods. The DNR is already quietly shuttering its Wildlife field offices across the state as a cost-cutting measure. A local example was the closure of the Grand Marais Wildlife office a couple of years ago. The nearest Wildlife office is now in Two Harbors. This means any boots-on-ground wildlife work occurring in Cook County requires a two- to three-hour one-way drive from the office. Such a drive takes a bite

Shawn Perich’s POINTS NORTH online

out of a typical eight-hour work day. DNR officials say there will be adequate sideboards in place to ensure the diverted funding will be spent on critical habitat projects. If the law is rewritten so license plate monies may be spent in new ways, it should include an annual public reporting requirement for all fund expenditures. Doing so would generate positive publicity for the Critical Habitat license plates, perhaps encouraging more people to purchase them when they see the money is put to good use. Critical habitat can be defined as the best of the last. On our increasingly developed landscape, we are not making more of it. Without protection, critical habitat may become just another drained and tiled former wetland planted to corn or bulldozed to build a cul de sac surrounded by trophy homes. The Critical Habitat license plates allow all Minnesotans to contribute to the protection of our wild places. Changes to the program should not be taken lightly.

Follow outdoor writer Shawn Perich as he reports on conservation issues and explores the North Shore wilderness with his dog Rainy. Sign up for this web exclusive blog at northernwilds.com

With bears emerging from hibernation in the coming weeks, homeowners are reminded to bear-proof their property. | STOCK

How to prevent conflicts with bears this spring ST. PAUL— With bears emerging from hibernation in the coming weeks, the Minnesota DNR reminds homeowners to check their property for food sources that could attract bears. “To avoid season-long problems, take the time now to remove or secure anything that could attract a bear,” said Eric Nelson, wildlife damage program supervisor for the DNR. “Prevention is key. Once a bear finds a food source, it will likely return.” As bears emerge from hibernation, their metabolism gradually ramps up and they will begin looking for food at a time when berries and green vegetation are scarce. Home and cabin owners should remove or secure attractants such as birdseed, garbage, livestock feed, or compost to reduce potential conflict. Black bears are the only bear species that live in the wild in Minnesota. Bears are more common in the forested region of northern Minnesota, but can live anywhere in the state if they find an area of suitable habitat. They usually are shy and flee when encountered. Never approach or try to pet a bear. Injury to people is rare, but bears are potentially dangerous because of their size, strength and speed.

AVOID BEAR CONFLICTS BY FOLLOWING THESE TIPS: AROUND THE YARD • Any time you feed birds, you risk attracting bears. Avoid feeding birds from April 1 to Nov. 15. • If you still wish to feed birds, hang birdfeeders 10 feet up and 4 feet out from the nearest trees. Use a rope and pulley system to refill birdfeeders and clean up spilled seeds. • Do not put out feed for wildlife (like corn, oats, pellets or molasses blocks). • Replace hummingbird feeders with hanging flower baskets, which are also attractive to hummingbirds. • Do not leave food from barbeques and picnics outdoors, especially overnight. Standard coolers are not bear-proof.

• Clean and store barbeque grills after each use. Store them in a secure shed or garage away from windows and doors. • Elevate bee hives on bear-proof platforms or erect properly designed electric fences. • Pick any fruit left on trees from last fall and collect any fallen fruit promptly. • Cover all compost material added during the winter by turning the piles or covering with leaves, shavings, manure or other compostable material. If you compost household food scraps, consider securing it with an electric fence. • Harvest garden produce as it matures. Locate gardens away from forests and shrubs that bears may use for cover. • Use native plants in landscaping whenever possible.

POLYMET’S MINE WILL BE A LEADING U.S. PRODUCER OF METALS TO FIGHT DISEASE AND CLIMATE CHANGE

• Store pet food inside and feed pets inside. If pets must be fed outdoors, feed them only as much as they will eat.

GARBAGE • Store garbage in bear-resistant garbage cans or dumpsters. Standard rubber or plastic garbage cans are not bear-proof. • Keep garbage inside a secure building until the morning of pickup. • Properly rinse all recyclable containers with hot water to remove all remaining product. • Store recyclable containers, such as pop cans, inside.

MORE BEAR INFORMATION People should be cautious around bears and give them space. If bear problems persist after cleaning up food sources, contact a DNR area wildlife office for advice. For the name of the local wildlife manager, contact the DNR Information Center at (651) 2966157 or (888) 646-6367, or find wildlife area office contact information on the DNR website.

Palladium, nickel, cobalt and more: These are metals critical to making everything from surgical instruments and pacemakers to wind turbines and rechargeable batteries. polymetmining.com NYSE American: PLM TSX: POM

NORTHERN WILDS 69227_15_PolyMet_NW_4-84x5-78_March.indd 1

APRIL 2021

2021-03-05 11:00 AM

Sa m Cook Tri e s to Sl ee p on th e Grou n d By Er i c C h a n d l e r Canoe trip from Basswood Lake near Ely. Nellie, nine weeks, helping Sam Cook evaluate a possible site for sleeping on the ground. | SUBMITTED

n 2018, Sam Cook retired after 38 years of writing about the outdoors for the Duluth News Tribune (DNT) newspaper. Almost three years later, we asked how it was going. “There aren’t any days that I wake up and think, ‘Well, what am I going to do today?’ Let’s find the clothes we need and get going, you know?” Cook said. “Here’s how sick I am. I keep track of the number of nights I sleep on the ground every year. This has to be in wild places, it can’t be in your backyard.” Cook’s earned the right to do what he likes after publishing outdoors articles for the DNT for 1,976 weeks. Starting in 1980, he wrote story after story, week after week, year after year. That is 38 deer season openers, 38 fishing openers and just about everything in between. Cook’s career in outdoor writing is admirable and will be impossible to imitate. It all started in the small town of Sabetha in the northeast corner of Kansas. Cook was born there in 1948, but his family moved every few years to places like Topeka; Grand Island, Nebraska; and Omaha before finally moving back to Sabetha for high school. “Dad was kind of always looking for a better situation. We were pretty poor,” Cook said. “It was hard to move that much, but I think in some ways being the new kid over and over again might’ve provided me some strengths that came through when it was time to go out and meet a lot of people and interview them.” Two important things happened to him as a high school sophomore. First, he met 18

APRIL 2021

Cook [CENTER] on a Boy Scout canoe trip, 1964, to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park. | SUBMITTED his wife Phyllis. “I was sitting next to her in biology class. And we started dating and never stopped. We were kind of meant to be, I guess,” he said. And second, that same year of 1964, he made his first trip to the Boundary Waters. “We made a nine-day trip up into the Quetico and all over. To a kid growing up in Kansas...it was just unbelievable,” Cook said. “To hear a loon for the first time. It just about knocked your socks off. The memory of that trip stayed in my mind. Phyllis and I didn’t get back there until ‘73 after we were married. Once we made a trip up there, we started thinking about moving up. We both quit our jobs in Topeka after five years and moved to Ely to work for a canoe outfitter for one

NORTHERN WILDS

Duluth’s David Spencer [LEFT] and Cook await a float plane pickup on the Winisk River in northern Ontario, 1991. | SUBMITTED

summer. And I’m sure our folks thought we were nuts, you know?” That 1976 foray led to a job working for the Ely Echo newspaper, then a daily newspaper in Longmont, Colorado, and finally the DNT in 1980. “We wanted to get back to Minnesota,” Cook said. He listed two big reasons for his plentiful writing opportunities here: increasing outdoor recreation options and Duluth’s spot on the globe. First, the growth in activities. “If you look at what’s happened over that time period in the outdoors, it was phenomenal. It wasn’t just going to be hunting

and fishing. It was going to be paddling and hiking and anything you could do outdoors,” said Cook. “I just decided that was all going to be part of it. And it was going to be male and female and it was going to be young and old. I just wanted it to be very inclusive and I think that’s how we are in the outdoors up here. What’s come on since I started that job with sea kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, the trails; everything just blossomed during that time.” Second, Cook sang the praises of the region. “You also had just so many places to go. You could be an outdoor writer in Des Moines or Kansas City or someplace and not have what we have in our backyard

with the North Shore and Lake Superior. I started two years after WLSSD [Western Lake Superior Sanitary District] came online and the St. Louis River got clean and the walleye fishing exploded and then trolling on Lake Superior was really getting cranked up. And you had the Boundary Waters, the Apostles, Isle Royale, Rainy River, all these lakes between here and I Falls and over into Wisconsin, the Brule River and all that history on the Brule. I mean, you just couldn’t ask for a more diverse and fun place to go play outdoors than we had here.” When asked about his most memorable writing experience, he couldn’t really settle on one: “There’s just too many, I guess.” But, when asked what his most memorable outdoor experience was, Cook didn’t hesitate. He immediately talked about canoe trips to the far north. “Paddling to Hudson Bay in 1983 on the Gods River was among the really high points,” he said. “It was the first whitewater river we’d ever done. I think that trip was 250 miles. We were gone for a month and on the water for three weeks. And I was doing it for the paper. Everything was new and wild. Big brook trout. Phyllis and I paddled it together and stayed married. [laughs] It was great.” He talked about several different paddling trips, but circled back to that first one to the Gods River. “I think I felt as fully alive as I ever feel on one of those trips, any of those trips, and to do the first one with Phyllis. Ken Gilbertson led the trip. I was sitting up in the front of the van with him and everybody else was asleep. Years later, Ken said, ‘I remember us riding back in the middle of the night. And we were up there and just talking and I remember you telling me, Sam, you said, I’m ready to have a kid now.’ And I didn’t even remember saying that.”

Phyllis and Sam Cook slide their canoe over a drop between lakes on a trip in the Ontario wilderness north of Lac La Croix. | SUBMITTED

Not long after, Sam and Phyllis had a daughter in 1984 and a son in 1990. At one point during his time with the DNT, Cook had a chance to seek greener pastures with another newspaper in the Twin Cities. He was in correspondence with Irv Benson, a character who lived on a remote island on Saganaga Lake. Cook told Irv he was thinking about “moving on or moving up.” In a typewritten letter, Benson wrote back, “If one has a good readership following in the writing field, and is reasonably free to elaborate on subjects of ones [sic] choice, then to me this could be summarized by saying that one could do what he wants, where he wants, whenever he wants, and even get paid for it. Kind of hard to beat a situation like that, don’t you think?” Lucky for DNT subscribers, Cook stayed put. “I just didn’t think I could haul our family down there,” he said. “Our kids were young and Phyllis was on board with me, too. We liked raising kids here; no regrets.” The pressure of writing stories every week is off after 38 years. Having more time gives him perspective on his working life. “The biggest thing that sticks out for me is, how the heck did I do that for so long?” he said. “I don’t mean to say that I work harder than anybody else works, but I knew in the moment that I was running as hard as I could. Thank goodness that

Sam Cook of Duluth holds a walleye he caught on a canoe trip in Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park. | SUBMITTED Cook tends the eggs and hash browns on an October 2020 canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. | SUBMITTED Phyllis was supportive and she was working too, you know.” Cook had some advice for writers: “If I had one piece of advice, I’d say read novels, nonfiction, whatever. I don’t care, but just read. I guess the other thing I would say is move around, travel some, put yourself in situations where you’re a little bit uncomfortable. Putting yourself outside your comfort zone. It could be on a river going to Hudson Bay, but it could be in Paris, too.”

Cook leaves us with one simple adventure tip. “You can call it a sense of wonder or curiosity or whatever, but you don’t go out looking for cool things to happen, but you go out knowing that cool things could happen every time…I just tell people, just go, just get out. You don’t have to always get out of town. You might watch an owl come down and snag something out of the snow. You never know what you’re going to see, but you aren’t going to see it in the living room. You have to be there. One of my thoughts over the years is just: Get out.”

So, while the rest of us go off to work, Cook will be scouting the countryside for a place to lie down. “I think my high one year was 35 nights sleeping on the ground. I only had 25 last year. And I’m thinking, Sam, I think we can do better than that. [laughs] It’s an arbitrary thing to keep track of. But to me, it’s symbolic of how much time we’re spending in good country…to make sure I’m getting out enough into places that I really value.”

NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

[TOP LEFT AND RIGHT] Getting creative with sailing positions during the long first crossing. [ABOVE LEFT] I arrived at Little Todd campsite after 40 miles. I had to roll the boat ashore with boat fenders. [ABOVE RIGHT] This was the one time I flipped.

Largest Lake—Tiny Sailboat photos and story By Matt Graves

Do people discourage you or tell you that you can’t? Sometimes it just takes a small adventure or challenge to avoid other peoples’ limits for you. I’ve lived different for most of my life and the discouragement gets easier to ignore. I started a YouTube channel (Adventures In Reach) because I want you to experience the freedom of living differently, making your own choices, taking healthy risks and trying something new. If you’re like many of us, you might watch adrenaline sport videos and think that it’s out of your reach, but do you actually want to fly with a wingsuit or do you just need more excitement, challenge and accomplishment? Listen. You can learn the skill. You can gain the knowledge. You can purchase some equipment. The rest of it comes down to you, your mentality, your approach and your drive to make it happen. I truly believe that with a few experiences added together, you have essentially done everything else. You’ve never been rock climbing? You’ve likely been at height 20

APRIL 2021

climbing a tree, relied on the rope for a swing, hiked on rocks and relied on others. That’s essentially what rock climbing is, so stop waiting. I’m not an accomplished sailor, but I do have survival, swimming, rescue and camping training and experience. The Sunfish wasn’t the best model, but it was free and functional. There are no examples of how to pack a Sunfish for a trip because almost nobody else does it, but I figured it out. Remember that everything is impossible until it’s proven possible. The weeks before I launched to visit the northeast end of Isle Royale, and sail 150 miles over a week on the world’s largest lake, I heard the same lines repeated: “that’s crazy,” “impossible,” “you should take a bigger boat…” I reminded myself of the equipment I had been organizing, the plans I made, my training and experience. I had purposely sailed the boat in 45 mph winds, 5-foot waves, and loaded it for a few weekends of testing. I was ready, whether they believed me or not.

NORTHERN WILDS

I launched twice from the Grand Portage Marina. The first day offered light winds in the wrong direction that would have extended the 23-mile crossing by several hours. The following morning (8/22/2020), I returned and launched in dense fog with favorable winds. My doubts came in the middle of the crossing. Not from being 11 miles from land. Not from the immensity of the lake and the trip before me. Not from the doubts of others. It was the seasickness. I had never experienced nausea on my Sunfish before. It was the lack of wind and the rolling waves that got to me, and for a half hour I slipped into the water beside my boat to cool down and reduce the rocking. The wind picked up and I reached the island in about 6.5 hours. The wind was blowing directly where I needed to go and I had been delayed by several days, so after a 23-mile crossing, I continued up Isle Royale’s north shore. Most decisions were made due to safety. The north side of the island is rocky with few places to safely go ashore. Continuing meant I could pass that

obstacle with perfect conditions. After 40 miles of sailing in a tiny boat, I had arrived at Little Todd campsite for my first night. My precautions for the big lake were thought out months in advance. I was wearing long johns under a drysuit, neoprene booties and had a Spot beacon strapped to my arm. My life jacket contained food, flares, a whistle, knife, strobe light, and a GPS. My emergency bag was clipped near me with more signaling devices, a marine radio, neoprene hood and gloves, and additional food. If my boat broke apart and sank, I was ready to float safely until help arrived. I planned for an eight-day trip, but had 13 days off of work and told my supervisor that I wouldn’t return on time unless I could do so safely. I had never completed a trip quite like this before, but I never felt scared. My comfort zone expanded as I experienced more challenging conditions and realized that the boat could likely handle whatever I could. My first morning the forecast predicted 7-foot waves in the afternoon. I talked to the camera and said: “I better get going

Just a normal day on Lake Superior with spray flying as I pounded through the waves. soon because there’s no way a Sunfish is going in 7-foot waves.” The next day I was in swells blocking the horizon. The crests were several feet over my head, but the wind was consistent, the boat stable, and I felt in control. Later that day I rounded the northeast point, sailing against waves that were tall enough to periodically block the wind from my sail. The mast is 15 feet tall, and I’m guessing the waves were about 10 feet. The 7-foot waves weren’t a concern any longer. I still felt in control of the boat and my skill increased. My brain adjusted. At this point you may be thinking that it had to be scary, and that I was reckless or stupid. But consider for a moment, how many things have previously felt that way to yourself. Driving a car on the highway or in snow, diving to the deep end of a pool, downhill skiing, riding in a plane… When it’s a foreign experience, it seems crazy, but I assure you it was not. Exciting, requiring concentration and forward thinking—yes. I reminded myself of the drysuit, the warm clothes and my emergency bag. I thought about my lifeguard and swiftwater rescue training. I looked at the more welcoming spots on shore and considered how I could ferry my body to them, then ride the back of a wave in. I noticed how the boat sat low and stable, and fit in the trough of the waves. I also remembered how the boat cannot be swamped or sunk unless it breaks in half. The cockpit full of water is only about 15 gallons. The rest of the boat is a sealed chamber with air and foam. I took a deep breath, looked around at the beauty, and chose my direction.

from a gust only one mile from camp. I had my camera out filming with the drybag open, but managed to keep the opening out of the water, right the boat and make it safely to camp. The final day included swimming over a shipwreck before making the long crossing back to mainland. The marina owners and campers were relieved I had returned and were overflowing with questions and excitement. It was mentioned the previous couple days, and again at the marina, that I must be the first to sail a Sunfish around Isle Royale. After some checking online, calling the Park Service, and asking around to other boaters I confirmed that I was in fact the first. That certainly wasn’t my intention, but a nice surprise nonetheless. Leaving the Grand Portage Marina with all my gear strapped on. I’m paddling out to better wind. I had some interesting exchanges with others on the island. A group of shipwreck divers thought I was insane, yet during this trip I was most nervous swimming over a shipwreck. A refreshing family sailing a 36-foot sailboat was again astounded that I was circumnavigating on a tiny boat, but I considered docking such a large boat to be more nerve-racking. It again goes back to what your experience has been. The trip did not go as planned, yet I had accounted for flexibility. I only stayed in one campsite I had listed on my permit. I missed some destination sites and found others. It all turned out well. I was able to visit the Rock Harbor Lighthouse, the

Edisen Fishery, a cave, and hike to the Mount Ojibway lookout tower. I met some very welcoming people, heard a moose, and gazed at amazing scenery. The sailing was challenging as the winds remained high. On my sixth day, the wind was gusting to 35 mph and the seas were building. I waited for much of the morning before setting out in the winds that were supposed to diminish, but didn’t follow the forecast. It was a wild ride. The gusts made it unstable and unpredictable for sailing and the aggressive waves made it difficult to take breaks on shore to eat, pee, or stretch. I sailed against the wind for the last half of the day’s mileage and flipped

I encourage you to find your own adventure by looking for new opportunities, consistently saying “yes” to new and interesting things, surrounding yourself with others who challenge you, and allowing yourself to feel out of balance while you build your comfort zone. If you are interested in seeing the footage from this trip or finding some inspiration and instruction for you own adventures, check out Adventures In Reach on YouTube. Don’t forget to hit the “subscribe” button. Send me a comment sharing your adventure. I’d love to hear about it.

NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

By Breana Roy

New Exhibits

Spring is officially here and with it comes new artwork and exhibitions all along the shore. Many are even open to the public. Here’s just a small selection of what’s new this month.

A new exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post, titled Voices of Spring, will be held April 2-25. It features work by six women artists. This contemporary quilt piece, titled “Popsicle Garden #2” is by Mary Mathews. | MARY MATHEWS

Ann Magnusson also has an exhibit on display at the Duluth Art Institute from April 1 to June 1, titled Personal. This acrylic piece is titled “Karen, Hair-Work Artist (interior).” | ANN MAGNUSSON

This earthenware piece, titled “Marked” by Robin Murphy, is part of the Clay Artists exhibit, held April 1 through May 3 at the Duluth Art Institute. | ROBIN MURPHY

Adam Swanson has an exhibit on display at the Duluth Art Institute from April 1 to May 3. This acrylic piece is titled “Let’s Get Started.” | ADAM SWANSON

The Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais will hold a new exhibit of woodblock prints by Nan Onkka, titled Northern Horizon, held April 30 to May 23. This piece is titled “Through the Pines.” | NAN ONKKA 22

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

This oil and acrylic piece by Tara Austin, titled “Limelight,” is part of A Warm Reset exhibit at the Joseph Nease Gallery in Duluth. The exhibition features multiple artists and is held March 26 through June 26. | TARA AUSTIN

Felted pieces from the first symbol making workshop. These pieces will be part of three larger felted murals. | ELISE KYLLO

A modern twist to the ancient craft of felted rugs BEHIND THE CRAFT: By Elise Kyllo It’s a long, tangled fiber that binds my desire to felt a mural to the ancient method of felting rugs. Before wool, paint was my medium of choice, working on large walls with lots of people. I organized community murals to quickly transform spaces marked by gang graffiti, an exciting and chaotic process that brought people together. I moved to Grand Marais in 2012, where there was no graffiti and adopted wool as my new favorite artistic medium. With this shift in mediums, I accepted a slower, silent, process of creating smaller works. If you know wool, you are familiar with its time-consuming process, whether it is spinning, knitting, weaving or felting. The story of how felting was discovered expresses this well. Supposedly, while soldiers were marching to war, they filled their sandals with sheep wool. After traveling for days, sweating and compressing the wool, they discovered they had made very durable felted wool soles. I’m sure felted wool soon became saddles, hats, rugs, until today when artists are felting shoes, wedding dresses, sculptures and possibly even murals. With many crafts, there may be short cuts or time savers, but with felting, whether small or large, it is a process of patient agitation that causes the microscopic wool fibers to permanently bond to one another. This hand work, beginning with gentle rubbing and progressing to full physical exertion, cannot be rushed.

After a full year of quietly crafting with wool and covid isolation, I am scheming to safely bring people together in exciting and chaotic creativity, like painting a mural, but using wool instead. Wool, water and our hands will replace the paints and paintbrushes, with a goal of three 4-by6-foot community-made felted murals. I wish to create an opportunity for people to gather, to be creative and to create something larger than we could do alone. Because I am a painter, and a felter but not a rug maker, I turn to the Far East and Middle East tradition of felted rugs. Closer to home, I look to Mary Reichert, a local felter who loves to make rugs and learned traditional rug-making methods in Kyrgyzstan. In a past rug making workshop at North House Folk School with Reichert, she expressed the complexity of the symbolism often embedded in these rugs; what may look simply like patterns, is actually a living story told by the maker and becomes a blessing to the person gifted the rug. Perhaps, similar to a felted rug, the community murals were a form of storytelling, as well as a way to heal and bring beauty to a community. Similar to the painted murals, the felted murals will become a story told by the many people who participate in the making of the murals. While there’s no graffiti in Grand Marais, there is plenty to heal from after a really difficult year full of challenges and suffering, from which no one was immune.

After a full year of quietly crafting in isolation, Elise Kyllo is scheming to create three 4-by-6-foot community-made felted murals. | ELISE KYLLO The idea for felting murals came from a visit to my childhood neighborhood in Minneapolis destroyed by the civil unrest after the murder of George Floyd. I was utterly flattened with sadness as I witnessed so much destruction throughout the city. Feeling hopeless and helpless, I did the one thing that felt right; pull out buckets of paint and paintbrushes, gather people and paint murals. The three felted murals will be similar to the painted murals, focused on healing, dreaming and building. Each mural filled with symbolic hearts, swallows or bees, with a word of personal importance chosen by the maker. These symbols will be made and gathered over the next four months in public workshops, online or in person. Like a traditional felted rug, a large wool base will become the home for these symbols and the living story they tell. With the help of many hands, the rugs will be felted together, a slow, physical process of gently rubbing the wool, walking on the wool, dancing on the wool and rolling the wool until it is transformed into something durable and long lasting.

Everyone will celebrate when the plywood murals in Minneapolis are taken down and businesses open up, but there is the awareness that the anger, fear, racism and divisions between people that caused the uprisings have not gone away. We continue to navigate covid, political divisions and so much more. I hope that these felted murals will become a collective voice, memory and a reminder of what challenges we have shared and survived during the last year. What we are healing from, what we are dreaming about and what we are going to change or build as we step forward. Look for community drop-in workshops, a class at North House Folk School the last weekend in July and finally a ceremony celebrating the completion of the felted murals, the first week of August. For more felted projects, visit: worksinwool.com. Elise Kyllo lives in Grand Marais and is a felting instructor and a Resident Artisan in the Artist Development Program at North House Folk School, where traditional craft is taught on the shore of Lake Superior.

NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

Mike Smieja lives, creates and fires his pottery in the home that he built shortly after moving to Grand Marais in 2016. He has two brands of pottery: Grand Marais Pottery and Zilla Pottery. | SUBMITTED

Mike Smieja CREATIVE SPACE: By Eric Weicht Mike Smieja’s journey in becoming a North Shore potter has been anything but straightforward. It has been a journey full of twists and turns, highs and lows, with breakthrough moments and the occasional bump in the road. It has been, and continues to be, an adventure. Smieja’s artistic story began in the Twin Cities, where he grew up in Minnetonka and attended Hopkins High School. “I graduated from Hopkins high in 1992,” says Smieja. “That’s where I first learned pottery from Mel Jacobson; its where I fell in love with the craft.” Initially, Smieja wanted to pursue a career in pottery after high school, but he was deterred from that dream by his mother who had him convinced that there was “no money in becoming an artist.” Instead, Smieja set his sights on becoming an entrepreneur, and went on to own and operate 15 different businesses over the subsequent two decades, including a marketing firm that he owned for 10 of those years before selling it in 2007. “After moving on from the marketing firm,” says Smieja, “I decided it was time to go back to school and take my career in a different direction, so in 2008 I attended the University of Minnesota where I double majored in agriculture and marketing.” Smieja followed up his degree in agriculture and marketing with a masters in horticulture that he used to start the nonprofit We Can Grow—an organization focused on creating and installing affordable raised-bed gardens for low-income households. It was during his journey with We Can Grow, fresh out of grad school, that Smieja was reconnected with the craft of pottery during a chance encounter with a friend at the Powderhorn Art Fair. 24

APRIL 2021

“I was actually on a date at the time,” says Smieja, “when I ran into a friend who was throwing bowls outside the park building for empty bowls. My friend asked if I wanted to throw some bowls and I was like, ‘absolutely.’” “In hindsight,” continues Smieja, “I probably did it to show off to my date that day, but I really enjoyed the opportunity to work with clay again, it felt right. So when my friend encouraged me to take a pottery class at the Powderhorn I jumped at the opportunity.” Despite being heavily involved with his nonprofit, Smieja began frequenting the studio at Powderhorn to make pots and explore his craft further. Shortly thereafter, he took a job working for Continental Clay in the winter when the nonprofit demanded less of his time. “It was working at Continental Clay and making pottery that made me realize that this was what I really wanted to do,” says Smieja, “so after buying my own kiln and wheel I became a full-time potter.” Smieja started his career as a potter living and working in Northeast Minneapolis. However, all of that changed in 2015 with the passing of his father and the resulting decision by his mother to sell their family cabin in Grand Marais. “I had been spending a lot of my time each summer in Grand Marais, living at my family’s cabin and selling my work at the farmers market” says Smieja, “so I was devastated when my mom told me that she planned on selling the place.” “I couldn’t afford to live both in Grand Marais and Northeast [Minneapolis],” continues Smieja, “so I decided to make the move north and start a life on the Shore.” Today, Smieja lives, creates and fires his pottery in the home that he built shortly after moving to Grand Marais in 2016. He has two brands of pottery—Grand Marais

NORTHERN WILDS

While Mike Smieja fires a lot of pottery with a more conventional electric kiln, his true passion lies in his woodfired work. | SUBMITTED Pottery and Zilla Pottery—both of which you can check out on their respective Facebook pages.

“I am proud of all of my work,” says Smieja, “but wood-fired pottery is my passion.”

“Grand Marais Pottery,” says Smieja, “focuses on pieces that are functional, affordable, and that are mostly electric fired. I like to refer to it as ‘everyday use pottery for the table.’”

“It’s way more labor intensive, a large percentage of your pieces don’t survive the process, and not everybody likes the aesthetic,” continues Smieja, “but people who like wood-fired pottery, really like wood-fired pottery.”

“Zilla on the other hand,” continues Smieja, “is where I display and promote all of my woodfired, more sculptural pieces. There are still a lot of functional pieces there, too, but it has a completely different feel than Grand Marais Pottery, it’s dark and gloomy.” While Smieja fires a lot of his pottery with a more conventional electric kiln, his true passion lies in his wood-fired work. He plans on building two new kilns this summer—a gas and soda kiln and a woodfired kiln—to better explore this avenue of his work.

You can find Smieja’s work at a number of Grand Marais retailers, including Joy & Company, the Betsy Bowen Gallery, Yellow Bird Fine Art, Eight Broadway Art Gallery, and Mike’s Holiday Stationstore. Smieja will also be selling his work at the Cook County Makers Market this upcoming summer. Information on the Makers Market can be found by checking out the Cook County Makers Cooperative Facebook page.

CAMBRIAN PLAYERS PRESENTS LOVE/SICK

APRIL 3, SATURDAY The Cambrian Players in Thunder Bay will present a live-streamed production of Love/Sick by John Cariani, directed by Thomas McDonald. John Cariani’s Love/Sick is a wild and wacky look at love…behind closed doors in suburbia. All is not what it seems in this fully stage live-streamed play. Love/Sick comprises nine short (10 minutes or less) plays with a cheeky, twisted, tangled sense of humor. The production features 18 local performers in their bubbles and the show will make for a charming and moving evening of entertainment. The show will take place at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at showtix4u.com. For more information, visit: cambrianplayers.com.

UPPER MIDWEST SCUBA AND ADVENTURE TRAVEL VIRTUAL SHOW

This multimedia piece by Lee Ross, titled “Peep Peep,” is part of the Voices of Spring Show at the Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais. | LEE ROSS

APRIL 8-10 The Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society presents the annual Upper Midwest Scuba and Adventure Travel Show, held virtually this year from April 8-10. There will be guest speakers, a silent auction on eBay, exhibitors and more. This year’s guest speakers are Becky Kagan Schott, Frederick Stonehouse, Ric Mixter and Doug Klein. Topics include “Shipwrecks of Truk Lagoon,” “The Most Baffling Shipwrecks in the Great Lakes,” Tuskegee Airmen Searches,” and Diving Locations in Minnesota.” Tickets are general admission and cost $15. For more information or to get tickets, visit: umsatshow.org.

VOICES OF SPRING SHOW

DATE NIGHT AT THE WINERY

EVERY THURSDAY The North Shore Winery in Lutsen is open late on Thursdays, so grab a date and enjoy music from 6-8 p.m. This month, music will be by Gordon Thorne. Thorne picked up a guitar 30 years ago and hasn’t put it down since. He spent years mining early American blues and jazz, blending them with his own style, and serves up what he calls, “the modern sounds of yesterday—today.” Reservations must be made to take part in Date Night. Reservations can be made online at: northshorewinery.us or by phone at (218) 481-9280.

APRIL 2-25 The fine art of six regional and national artists will be featured at the Johnson Heritage Post (JHP) Gallery in Grand Marais April 2-25. The Voices of Spring Show will feature the ceramics of Maggie Anderson, collage paintings and paper weavings of Maxene Linehan, the contemporary art quilts of Mary Mathews, the abstract pastels and multi-media works of Marti Mullen, the prints of Lee Ross, and the paintings of Kathy Fox Weinberg. “This all-women artists’ show started as an idea with JHP over two years ago to welcome spring to the North Shore after a long winter,” said Weinberg. “Little did we know that Covid was going to make ‘our winter’ even longer.” As the group collaborated, Voices of Spring emerged as a great theme for this diverse show. “We each bring a unique voice to our art,” said Weinberg. “Collectors and art enthusiasts will find art to inspire, to grace a new space in their homes, or even be motivated to pick up a brush, throw a pot, or take a class...or to just welcome Spring.” More information and gallery hours can be found at cookcountyhistory.org or by calling the Johnson Heritage Post Gallery at (218) 387-2314.

EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA

APRIL 3, SATURDAY The Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth will hold their annual family-friendly Easter Egg-Stravaganza on Saturday, April 3 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a bubble walk, food trucks, meet the Easter Bunny (socially-distanced), and take part in a photo op hop. There will also be a coloring contest and special Easter-themed enrichments for the animals. Tickets will be sold for nine two-hour time slots and each time slot is limited to 100 visitors. Tickets must be purchased in advance; tickets will not be sold at the door. To learn more, visit: lszooduluth.org.

NICE GIRLS OF THE NORTH SECOND SATURDAY MARKETPLACE

APRIL 10, SATURDAY Located at the Masonic Lodge (4731 Gladstone St.) in Duluth, Nice Girls of the North is a group of local women artists and crafters. Held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., each monthly marketplace event includes guest artists and a new variety of handmade products such as jewelry, wall art, soap, cards, makeup, clothing, photography, bags, bibs, yarn, embroidery, pillow cases, knit items, heirloom dolls and stuffed animals, baked goods, and jams. Strict safety measures are followed which limit the number of people in the building at a time, masks are required, and sanitizer is provided. There is a convenient central checkout and credit cards are accepted. To learn more, visit: nicegirlsofthenorth.com. NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

Two Locations Grand Marais

120 W Hwy 61

Two Harbors

530 7th Ave

(Limited food menu)

Buy Any DQ Item Get Any DQ Item

Any Two Blizzards

Off regularly priced item of equal or lesser value. Excludes $5 Lunch, $6 Lunch, DQ Cakes, and Take Home Boxes of Novelties. Not valid with any other coupons or specials. Limit 1 coupon, 1 per customer. Limit 1 per coupon. Void if copied. DQ logo property of AM.DQCorp Minneapolis, MN, 2011. Expires 12/31/2021. Grand Marais, MN and APR Two Harbors, MN locations only.

1/2 Off

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

50 (sm or med)

The North Shore Dish Artisan Bread Along the North Shore By Chuck Viren

Over the many thousands of years that humans have been making bread, techniques have been refined, as have the grains used to make bread. None-the-less, bread still consists primarily of flour, water, yeast and salt. And once we overcame our infatuation with Wonder Bread, the popularity of artisan breads grew more rapidly than bread dough on a hot summer day. Those who make these crusty, chewy loaves for a living share a passion for bread and a keen attention to detail. I spoke with three bakeries to learn of their approaches to baking bread. They were Duluth’s Best Bread, Sapling Bakery in Thunder Bay, and Crosby Bakery in Grand Marais. While in graduate school working on his master’s degree in Mathematics, Michael Lillegard and his father built a brick pizza oven in his back yard. The high temperatures produced by the oven got him interested in baking bread. Using the mindset of a mathematician and the discipline of a martial artist, he set about learning to make the perfect loaf. He purchased the book Artisan Breads Every Day, by Peter Reinhart, and proceeded to bake every recipe in it. Approximately one year and 2,000 loaves later, he felt he had hit on a near-perfect recipe. He reached out to his brother Robert to handle sales, marketing, and “the details,” and Duluth’s Best Bread, located at 2632 W. 3rd St., was formed. Their crusty, moist, and flavorful loaves are time-consuming to make. The process involves the use of a wild yeast they purchased overseas and have preserved for six years; they threw a birthday party for it this year. Their basic dough consists only of flour, water, salt and their wild yeast. The dough cool ferments overnight, a process that deepens the flavor of the bread and is more predictable and consistent. The moist dough is then baked at a high heat to create that artisan crust and to lock in the moisture. According to Robert, “quality is the number one driver for our products.”

The Sapling Bakery in Thunder Bay produces 10 varieties of breads in addition to pastries. Among their popular breads is the farmer’s rye [ABOVE], cheese loaf [BOTTOM LEFT] and power loaf [BOTTOM RIGHT]. | SAPLING BAKERY

Their hand-made loaves are based on their Country Loaf. Ingredients are added to create their varieties. Their cheese curd bread has a devoted following. Their cranberry wild rice has all the right touches. The rich flavor from the wild yeast is complemented by nuttiness of the wild rice and the tang of the cranberries. They also produce rosemary onion and a sunflower flax bread. Their breads are available at their walk-up location on W. 3rd St., at NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

Organic, Local & Natural Groceries Fresh Bakery Goods Hot Coffee & Cold Drinks Grab & Go Deli Wellness Department

Crosby Bakery in Grand Marais offers an assortment of breads, including sourdough, whole wheat sourdough, rye, cranberry wild rice, and a French-style baguette. | CROSBY BAKERY

Open 7 Days a Week 10 am - 7 pm

Shop Online for Next Day Curbside Pick Up Monday - Friday, 11am-6pm Shop at: cookcounty.coop Where Community Health is our Greatest Wealth!

20 East First St. Grand Marais, MN cookcounty.coop 218.387.2503

both Whole Foods Co-op locations in Duluth, and at the Mount Royal Market. In addition to bread, they sell items for those with a sweet tooth. These include croissants, sweet rolls, and macaroons. As with their breads, Michael has worked assiduously to perfect his recipes and has chosen treats that are difficult to produce. Their interest in German culture also led them to create the big fat German pretzel, a one pound “uberpretzel.” These pretzels can be found at local bars. As with the artisan breads, croissants and macaroons, the Lillegard brothers have chosen to create delicious products that are difficult to perfect. According to Robert they “decided to make really, really hard things because we could do them the best.” The Sapling bakery in Thunder Bay began selling their traditional stone oven breads with a booth at the Thunder Bay Country Market in 2015. According to company president Nikos Mantis, lead baker Bailey Symington has had a lifelong passion for bread making. “Her approach is rooted in tradition with living bread starters which have been kept alive since our inception.” The Sapling Bakery is part of a larger organization under the auspices of Pinetree Catering. In addition to the bakery, it includes the Local Motion Food Truck and the NOMAD Bakeshop and Sandwich Bar, which also rely on their breads. The Sapling Bakery produces 10 varieties of breads in addition to pastries. Among their most popular breads is the farmer’s rye. This traditional farmhouse dark rye, which uses Brule Creek dark rye flour, is a loaf with a crisp crust and a soft center. Their power loaf is a crisp stone oven baked loaf that incorporates mixed grains such as wild rice, barley, and quinoa with walnuts, cranberries, carrots, parsley, and Brule Creek whole wheat flour. Their cheese loaf is a stone oven baked French loaf combined with Thunder Oak Gouda and sharp cheddar.

nner! wi

Sapling Bakery Breads are also available at the Dawson General Store, Breakaway, The Cheese Encounter, Rebel Salad, and NOMAD in both its location at the Thunder Bay International Airport and at 307 Bay Street.

2020

D ate Nig ht T h ur s d ay s 6-8 p .m. R ese r vation s R e co mm e nd e d 212 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen

northshorewinery.us 28

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

I asked Mantis if he had any tips for the home baker. He said, “Always check your yeast! In a bowl combine ¼ cup warm water, 1 tsp yeast, and ¼ tsp sugar. Your yeast should bubble up within 10 minutes.” It has been a busy two years for Hana Crosby at Crosby Bakery in Grand Marais. During her second year, COVID hit, all while she was pregnant. Now, customers coming to pick up orders will often see her adorable daughter swinging in the doorway. Crosby purchased the bakery as a primarily wholesale business but has added a rotating online menu, primarily

In addition to artisan bread, Duluth’s Best Bread sells croissants (shown here), sweet rolls and macaroons. | DULUTH’S BEST BREAD for cakes and other sweet treats. Crosby says that when she purchased the bakery, she wasn’t intending to bake much bread, but she is glad that she has. “Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh bread in the oven?” she quips. In the early days she got many requests for her bread, and the community has been very supportive of her efforts. Crosby says her most popular breads are her two sourdough breads, one with whole wheat, and her French-style baguettes. She also carries a delicious, chewy rye bread and a robust and tasty cranberry wild rice loaf. In addition, she makes bread for Voyageur Brewing using their spent grains. Most of her breads can be found at the Cook County Whole Foods Co-op. Crosby’s pro tips are to weigh the ingredients rather than measure them. She also said it is important to pay attention to the proofing time, which can vary according to the seasons. Crosby said she is amazed by how many variations of bread come from flour, salt, yeast and water. The biggest difference in breads, she says, is the yeast. It takes eight hours to proof her sourdough breads while quick rising breads can be proofed and baked in a few hours. It is quite intriguing. Humans have been making bread for thousands of years. After all that time, making good bread seems to come down to some basic knowledge and a strict attention to detail.

Fit, Thin & Unhealthy Hartley Newell-Acero & Amy Schmidt,

numb emotional pain, often leading to feelings of guilt or shame.

in partnership with SMC and CCPHHS

Imagine a set of identical twins. Let’s call them Twin A and Twin B. Twin A worries constantly about gaining weight. To avoid this, Twin A eats lots of vegetables, shuns highly refined foods, and makes sure to burn off “excess” calories through plenty of exercise. Twin B also eats lots of vegetables, avoids highly refined foods and exercises regularly. The difference? Twin B eats vegetables because they taste good, avoids refined foods because it leads to feeling lousy, and exercises because it’s fun, makes them feel strong and helps them to sleep well. While their behaviors may look the same to an observer, their experiences and outcomes will be different, even if their weights end up equal. Twin A may find that food becomes a fixation and eating becomes an activity filled with anxiety. Everything eaten is analyzed and reduced to its component parts: How many calories does it have? Is it “clean” enough or allowed on the current diet? Physical hunger is distrusted and ignored. At the same time, food is used as a distraction or to

For Twin B, food nourishes the body and provides fuel. It’s enjoyed and shared. No single item or category is demonized or deified, but neither is diet’s impact on health ignored. Physical and emotional hunger are separated. Physical hunger is resolved by eating food. Emotional hunger is resolved in a myriad of other healthy ways. At times, Twin A enjoys being physically active, but there are almost always overlays of punishment and penance. If too many calories were consumed, they must be paid for. Time, intensity, repetitions and distance are badges of honor. Pain, fatigue and even illness are weaknesses to be powered through. If exercise isn’t an option, then anxiety, irritability, guilt, or distress ensue. The shape, size and weight of their body determines their worth as a person. Keenly attuned to messages about what bodies are acceptable, Twin A bounces between disgust at the reality of their body and embarrassment at the fact that they feel that disgust. Twin B is also active and puts just as much effort into workouts as Twin A does. However, high intensity workouts are choices, not obligations or imperatives. Ac-

tivities are chosen based on safety and enjoyment. Rest and recovery are valid needs that are met, not flaws to be overcome. Twin B understands that there is no single size or shape that signifies health or value and that bodies change with circumstance and time. They may not always feel confident about or love every aspect of their body, but they do have respect and appreciation for it and do their best to take good care of it. Our culture thinks like Twin A. We equate thin with health and attractiveness

and we’ll sell our peace of mind and worth to achieve it. We might be fit and thin but are we healthy? What if we thought like Twin B, striving for health because we’re worth it? We just might find that a healthy body goes hand in hand with a healthy, peaceful mind. If you’re struggling with your relationship to food, fitness, or your form, visit The National Eating Disorders Association, and call Sawtooth Mountain Clinic to set up an appointment today.

Employment Opportunity

Director of Nursing North Shore Health, a 16 bed Critical Access Hospital and 4 bed ER Department, in Grand Marais, MN is seeking a DON to join our patient centered team!

Please go to northshorehealthgm.org for more information and see all employment opportunities!

Chiropractic • Massage Downtown Lutsen, MN (218) 277-8175 northlakewellness.com Meets all COVID-19 regulations. Please stay home if you are feeling ill. NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

Northern Trails April Fishing Options By Gord Ellis

April is an odd month for the angler in northwestern Ontario. It is the tail end of winter, yet there is the promise of spring in the air. Some Aprils are more like winter, with cold temperatures and ice still hanging on. Other Aprils are warm and springlike, with open lakes and rivers beckoning you long before normal. In April, the angler needs to be flexible and smart. Here is a look at some ice and open water angling options during the fourth month of the year. I will say right up front that safety is paramount in April if you want to ice fish. Use common sense. If the ice is punky, black, pulling away from the shore or overly wet, you should avoid it. Stay clear of currents. Don’t take chances. Yet in years when it is cold, early to mid-April ice can be hard as rock. Wear a pfd or floater snowmobile suit and never fish alone.

Pike One of the top fish to catch in April is pike. The longer days trigger pike to move into bays and river mouths and they are the first fish to spawn. If it is a cold late winter, you can have a field day catching pike through the ice. They will greedily take a herring or sucker minnow that is suspended under a tip up. The pike are usually in 10 feet of water or less and are ornery. If the ice has gone out early, or there is fishable open water, you can still target pike from shore or boat. A dead herring suspended under a large float is a deadly presentation. Use just enough weight to cock the float and get the bait hanging off bottom. Another great technique is to throw 4- or 5-inch rubber worms or shads. Texas-rig the plastic with a single #1 or #2 worm hook. Some of the real super tanker sized pike caught each year are taken in the period when pike are just about to spawn and the females are egg-laden. Make sure you take a pic and then let these big fish go.

Stocked Speckled Trout There are literally dozens of lakes throughout northwestern Ontario that are stocked with speckled trout. They provide year-round action, so you can pursue them through the ice or open water in April. There have been months I started on the ice and ended casting shorelines. The transition can be that quick. Ice fishing for late winter brookies is generally done close to 30

APRIL 2021

Gord Ellis Senior plays in an ice out brook trout. | GORD ELLIS

NORTHERN WILDS

shore in less than 10 feet of water. Often the fishing spot is just a few strides away from the shore. Jigging spoons like a Little Cleo or Williams Whitefish gets the aggressive fish. A minnow or worm on a hook with a split shot is another go to. Strikes will be hard and fights generally short. When the ice pulls away and the open water appears, the specs will be ready. The same lures that catch specs being jigged vertically catch them horizontally. Small crankbaits such as the Rapala Countdown or Husky Jerk are also deadly. Remember the fish will generally be close to shore and near cover. Fallen trees, beaver dams and boulders are all fish holding spots. I remember one April driving with my Dad through footdeep snow in April. The ice was just going out and large tracts of the lake were still ice covered. Yet we cast the open water and found specs ready to bang out spoons. A great way to welcome the spring.

Shore-Cast/Boat-Fish Superior Not all of the North Shore of Superior is open in April and some of the bays—notably Black and Nipigon Bay can be ice-covered well into May. Yet there are lots of areas of the big lake that are wide open in April. So if you don’t mind the feel of a cold spray on your face, or potentially wading around ice floes, then shore-casting may be for you. The species you could potentially catch are many, but the primary target is generally steelhead that are preparing to head upstream local creeks and rivers to spawn.

Gord Ellis Sr. slips a stocked brook trout over ice on the edge of a lake. | GORD ELLIS Casting off points or beaches with long rods and braided line allows you to cover water. Despite the frigid water temperatures, steelhead will crack a spoon or bucktail jig like a bull seeing a red flag. Fights aren’t usually as acrobatic in 32.1-degree F water, but I’ve still had fish jump free.

If you can get a boat in the water in April there are even more options. On Superior, in-shore trollers and casters can get Pacific salmon such as coho and chinook, as well as steelhead. In the Nipigon River, I’ve caught salmon that were spawning in April. I’ve also caught splake that are strays from the south shore of Superior in the Nipigon in the early season. For some reason,

the majority of brown trout that are caught on the north side of the lake are taken in April. These are also strays from the south side and are amazing looking creatures. That is just a taste of what April can offer the northwestern Ontario angler. Be safe and get outside.

CASCADE RIVER BY JOE SHEAD WHY GO: The Cascade River flows through some of the most gorgeous country in Minnesota. As its name suggests, numerous waterfalls line this fast-dropping river. In addition to some amazing scenery, anglers will be treated to some great trout and salmon fishing.

Ikin l rai gT

SEASONAL TIMING: Weberg notes that steelhead fishing is popular in the spring and pink salmon angling is popular in the fall from Lake Superior up to the first waterfall. If you’re after brookies above the first barrier, Weberg recommends fishing in May, June or September. During the heat of summer, fish are stressed and they retreat to cool tributaries to ride out the heat.

STEELHEAD: Steelhead attract a lot of anglers during their spring spawning run. Although the section from Lake Superior upstream to the first waterfall is relatively short, Weberg says this stretch has some good spawning habitat. “Below the falls, there’s actually a decent run that has some pretty good spawning habitat of small to medium-sized cobble,” he says. Steelhead fry had been stocked in the

COOLWATER FISH: In its upper reaches, above Thompson Falls, the Cascade River flows through several lakes, and species such as northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and walleyes swim from the lakes and into the river, although they are not widely targeted outside the lakes.

Cardinal Rd

rio

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Brook trout, steelhead, coho salmon, Chinook salmon, pink

BROOK TROUT: Brook trout predominate in the middle sections, from Cascade River State Park, upstream to Thompson Falls. “We usually sample fair to high numbers of brook trout from 6 to 8 inches, but it’s not uncommon to see some surpassing 10 inches,” Weberg says. “It’s definitely been one of our more popular inland brook trout streams.” Weberg says the river is deep enough and has enough flow for fish to both overwinter and survive the summer heat. The lower section, upstream to the first waterfall, also gets lake-run or “coaster” brook trout. These lake-run brookies grow large. In fact, they are protected by a 20-inch size limit below the first waterfall.

SALMON: Pink salmon are common in Lake Superior and they have gained a quiet following on North Shore streams. “That fishery seems to be increasing in popularity over the last five to 10 years,” Weberg notes. He adds that the Cascade River is one of the most popular pink salmon destinations. “It gets a pretty good run in some years,” he says. “There’s a little bit of a run every year, but some years are better than others.” Up until 1995, the DNR stocked Chinook salmon in the Cascade River, and it was a popular fishery. Minnesota no longer stocks Chinooks, but the wayward Chinook and coho still end up in the Cascade on occasion. pe

VITALS: The river runs 17 miles from its headwaters in the Boundary Waters to Lake Superior. Along the way, it passes through more than 20 lakes. The root beer-colored water gets its coloration from the wetlands the river runs through. Weberg says the water is stained by tannic acid in decaying wetland plants.

FISHERIES OVERVIEW: “It’s got a steelhead run and a fall pink salmon run,” Weberg says. “It gets the occasional coho and Chinook salmon. I also see some Lake Superior brook trout as well. It’s a large-enough stream where it can attract most species from Lake Superior.”

river up until 2016, but it was thought these stocked fish contributed little to the fishery and the program was discontinued.

ACCESS: The easiest place to access the Cascade River is at Cascade River State Park, right along Highway 61. This is the most popular stretch of river with anglers because lake-run trout and salmon can only swim 100 yards before they encounter the first waterfall. Other road crossings provide access as well. Matthew Weberg, assistant area fisheries supervisor in Grand Marais, says the intersection of Bally Creek Road and Devil Track Road is a good place to try. The DNR has done stream improvement projects here, which have created cover and deep holes for fish. Anglers can also gain access where Cascade River Road crosses the river.

salmon, northern pike, walleyes, perch and smallmouth bass.

Pike Lake Rd - Cty 45

i Park

Cascade River State Park

Hw y

Lake Superior

View all our Fishing Hole Maps at: northernwilds.com/fishingholemaps

NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

Wild Traditions Ties to Land and Sea The Usefulness of Knots By Julia Prinselaar

Historians believe that knots were used by humankind so long ago that they predate the invention of the wheel. Throughout civilization around the world, nearly every aspect of survival depended on the ability to skillfully twist plant fibers and tie them together to use for hunting, gathering, pulling, fastening, carrying and climbing. I like to think of knots as a way that tied fishing communities to both the land and the sea. In many parts of the world, seafood and freshwater fish was and remains a primary food source; over the centuries, people developed different techniques for catching fish to reflect the environment in which they lived. In northern Ontario and in the Great Lakes region, First Nation communities used gillnets to harvest sturgeon, whitefish, trout, pike and other native fish species. Before the use of nylon and other synthetic compounds, fishing nets were made from plant fibers like nettle and basswood, which were pounded and peeled, twisted into cordage and knotted together to form nets that were cast from canoes or set beneath the ice during winter.

Various knots [FROM LEFT TO RIGHT]: reef, double fisherman’s bend, bunny ears, alpine butterfly, sheep shank and sheet bend. | JULIA PRINSELAAR over your fixed object and looping back around under itself.” Among my personal favorites is the cow hitch, which is used to secure a rope or similar item to a post or fixed object. Aboard our yacht Baltazar, the forward storage area is full of extra lines secured to metal bars using the cow hitch. This knot also comes in handy for hanging laundry to dry on the lifelines of the boat. After losing a few items of clothing to the sea, I quickly learned that clothespins are anything but reliable on a windy day. The cow hitch, which forms a loop around the fixed object to pass the ends through, is simple and secure.

On the Atlantic coast of eastern Canada, net mending is one of the fishing industry’s oldest traditions, and some residents are making efforts to keep the skill alive. Aidan Smith of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Nova Scotia demonstrates to visitors the methods of weaving full nets and mending holes by hand. When Smith learned these skills from a retired fisherman, he realized that weaving and mending are tedious tasks—most fishermen these days opt to buy a new net rather than fix holes. Repair work was often a family effort. When the fishing season ended, families would hang their nets or lay them flat and mend them together.

Tying a bunny ears knot, which provides two adjustable loops for use with non-adjacent anchor points. | JULIA PRINSELAAR sailing small vessels as a boy. Over time, sailing grew into a career and lifestyle.

In my own life, knots are becoming increasingly relevant. Having recently “tied the knot” with a sailor, my husband relies upon the use of rope for work and leisure.

While we were sailing in New Zealand last year, I practiced common knots while on board. We used the bowline anytime we needed a loop at the end of a line that would come undone easily after use.

“While at sea, we use knots to pull sails up and in, for mooring up the vessel, tying stuff down, anchoring, and for stopping ropes from disappearing,” Magnus tells me. He grew up along the east coast of England

“Anytime you want to tie your boat up semi-permanently, you want a bowline at the end of your line,” says Magnus, adding that bowlines are often used to attach a sheet or halyard to a sail.

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

The rolling hitch—which we use a lot while backcountry camping with tarps—is used to take tension out of another line or to make an adjustable lashing. Another useful knot is the clove hitch, which can be used to temporarily secure a boat to a mooring bollard or a fender to a lifeline. “It’s quick and easily adjustable,” explains Magnus. “There are two ways to go about it: you can make it in the middle of the line by forming two loops and placing one on top of the other. Or you can make it at the end of the line by passing one end

But you don’t have to be a mariner to employ the use of knots. As children, we learn the bowknot to tie our shoes. Our clothing may be knitted using thousands of tiny knots. The plant in your window may be hanging in an artistic pattern of knotted fibers known as macrame. Whether for function or fashion, knots keep us tethered to an ancient skill rooted in survival and artistry.

Gidaanikeshkaagonaanig Gidaanikoobijiganinaan Following the Ancestor’s Steps

Gaagaagi Gizhaazh (Raven Watch Over) By Sam Zimmerman A couple months ago, a gaagaagi (raven) came and sat on my deck railing watching me while I had my morning Makade-mashkikiwaaboo (coffee). The sun caught its feathers and the shimmer of purples and blues was fascinating. It reminded me of the Ojibwe story of how the gaagaagi stole the moon, stars and sun to give them to people. The gaagaagi is a friend to both ma’iingan (wolf) and makwa (bear) as they will gather on a dead animal calling to wolves and bears. The wolves and bears with their sharp claws are able to tear through the hide thus helping the gaagaagi to also feed. This piece is designed to celebrate the beauty of their plumage while also capturing and portraying their intelligence directly to the viewer. The gaagaagi with their quiet and piercing gaze gizhaazh (watches) over all of us. Note: Find Sam Zimmerman on Instagram and Facebook under the name Crane Superior and at: cranesuperiorstudio@gmail.com.

Tax Services Silver Bay

30 Shopping Center PO Box 68 Silver Bay, MN 55614 218-226-4383

Two Harbors

526 7th Street PO Box A Two Harbors, MN 55616 218-834-3600

From Daybreak to Night Graze, WTIP brings balance, night and day!

ter 2021 Join us for the Win arch 17 - 22 Member Drive: M

90.7 FM 90.1 FM 89.1 FM Listen online at: North Shore Grand Portage Gunflint Trail

wtip.org NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN SKY APRIL 2021 By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH

Spring is now in the sky as well as the air. And nothing’s springier than Leo, the lion. In April, Leo dominates the southern sky after nightfall. Look for the backward question mark of stars known as the Sickle, which outlines the lion’s head. The dot of the question mark is Regulus, Leo’s brightest star. To the east, a triangle of stars mark the hindquarters and tail. On the 21st, a waxing gibbous moon hovers near the Sickle. The night of the 26th, a full “supermoon” crosses the sky behind Spica, the only bright star in Virgo, the maiden. Fullness comes at 10:33 p.m., less than three hours after moonrise. So this will be not only the second closest full moon of the year, but, as it clears the eastern horizon, one of the largest and roundest. That night the moon forms a tall triangle with Spica and brilliant Arcturus, the jew-

el of kite-shaped Bootes, the herdsman. As dawn starts to break on the 27th, the triangle will have moved to the west. Also, its base will have broadened as a result of the moon’s eastward motion during the night. In the morning sky, Saturn and Jupiter are now high enough above the southeastern horizon for easy viewing. Go out an hour before sunrise to see them against a dark sky. Jupiter is lower and brighter than Saturn, and no bright stars are close enough to be confused with them. As the days go by, both planets rise earlier, even as they move slowly and steadily apart. Their increasing separation is due to Jupiter’s faster motion eastward in its orbit. Between the 1st and the 4th, a waning moon rolls through the stars of Scorpius and Sagittarius in the morning sky. On the 6th, a fat crescent rises below Saturn, and the next morning a slightly thinner moon rises below Jupiter.

The University of Minnesota’s public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth and Twin Cities campuses have been curtailed due to the pandemic. For more information and viewing schedules, visit: d.umn.edu/planet.

Business & Service Directory Services

Restaurant • College

Prep Support • Training & Development • Lifelong Learning Opportunities. • Student

218.387.3411 GetHelp@myCCHE.org 300 West 3rd Street, Grand Marais, MN www.mycche.org

We help provide financial security and peace of mind when the unexpected occurs. Burgers Salads Cancer • Accident • Heart Attack/Stroke • Intensive Care Term Life • Whole Life • Child Life

Melissa Thompson Licenced Agent 507-298-0326

Attorneys for the North Shore

Pizza

Mon.-Sat. 11am-8pm Closed Sunday

Order Online!

 Regional

Beer on tap

Wine

MySistersPlaceRestaurant.com

Eat-in or Take-out • 218-387-1915 • 401 E. Hwy 61, Grand Marais

DRINK BAR: • Freshly ground coffee • F’Reals • Slushies • 16 flavors of pop

• Bait • Tackle • Groceries • CBD products • Red Box

Grand Marais & Tofte, MN

Retail

Call today for free and confidential support 24/7 218-387-1262

hope4u@boreal.org www.violencepreventioncenter.org

Convenience

Full-service Jewelry Store: design, repair, engagements

Chiropractic • Massage Downtown Lutsen, MN (218) 277-8175 northlakewellness.com

Lodging/Outfitting

• Woolly Dry Goods • Pajar • Irish Sweaters • Crown Cap • Local Art • AlpNRock • Handmade Knives In Downtown Lutsen - 5339 W Hwy 61, Ste 101 218-370-9648 • www.jewelerofthenorthshore.com

Open 7 days a week in downtown Grand Marais

www.buckshardware.net

BIG CITY PRICES ... SMALL TOWN SERVICE

Smith Law

PLLC Scott Smith, Attorney at Law 61, P.O. Box 66 1710 West Highway 1710 West Highway 61, P.O. Box 66 Grand Marais, Minnesota 55604 Grand Marais, Minnesota 55604 Telephone: 218-387-9800 www.arrowheadlegal.com ∙ 218-387-9800 scott@arrowheadlegal.com

Construction FREE S E T E S I M AT LaFreniere Roofing LLC 218-370-8906

Mike LaFreniere - owner Grand Marais, MN lafreniereroofing@hotmail.com 55604 MN Lic #RR768742 Bonded/Insured

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

Mon - Fri: 7 am - 5 pm Sat: 8 am - 2 pm 1413 E. Hwy 61, Grand Marais 218-387-1771  Toll-free 1-877-387-1771

www.acehardware.com

218-387-2280

COOK COUNTY

DELIVERY

Advertise in the Northern Wilds Directory. Prices begin at $48 a month. 12,000 circ. Email ads@northernwilds.com

Cabins - Camping - Fishing Hiking - Canoeing

A Private Wilderness The Journals of Sigurd F. Olson Edited by David Backes

DRURY LANE

University of Minnesota Press, 2021, $29.95

The name Sigurd Olson is synonymous with the canoe county wilderness, both for his eloquent writing about the area and his efforts to protect it. This book primarily covers the years from 1930 to 1941, when Olson was getting his start as a writer. The book is comprised of his daily journal entries, which are often very personal thoughts and reflections. Editor David Backes was especially well suited to compiling these entries, because he was the author of Olson’s definitive biography. The book is amply illustrated with photos from Olson’s life in the wilderness and with his family. It will make a wonderful edition to any wilderness lover’s bookshelf.—Shawn Perich

Braiding Sweetgrass Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants By Robin Wall Kimmer Milkwood Editions, 2013, $26.95

Written by a scientist, professor and member of the Citizen Potawatoni Nation, Robin Wall Kimmer’s Braiding Sweetgrass is about traditional Indigenous knowledge and history connecting with the science world and their impact on plants and the environment. Written in a storytelling style sprinkled with humour, Braiding Sweetgrass is about the gifts of nature that we receive—like water, food and fire— and how we can reciprocate by giving thanks and looking after the land. Each chapter covers a diversity of topics from listening to the ‘voices of nature’ to the Seventh Fire prophecy which the Elders say we are living in today, standing at a crossroads where paths lead to either a greener world or a scorched one. A back cover quote from Jane Goodall says it well, “Robin Wall Kimmer shows how the factual, objective approach to science can be enriched by the ancient knowledge of the Indigenous people.”—Elle Andra-Warner

BOOKS

www.Golden-Eagle.com 218-388-2203

Gunflint Pines Cabins & Camping Boat /Canoe/Kayak/ Fishing Pole Rentals Gift Shop & Grocery Pizza & Ice Cream Open to the Public 218.388.4454 www.gunflintpines.com 217 South Gunflint Lake Grand Marais, MN 55604

Thank you for Reading Local Mon Thurs Fri 10 AM - 4 PM Sat Open 24/7 Online drurylanebooks.com 12 E. Wisconsin St., Grand Marais

218-387-3370

Sponsored by

Mark D. Consulting, LLC

The Undertaking of Billy Buffone

Serving Businesses and Residential Customers. 218-663-7149 Mark@MarkDConsulting.com

By David Giuliano

Latitude 46 Publishing, 2021, $19.95

The North Shore town of Twenty-Six Mile House has a deadly secret: a notorious pedophile has been murdered in his camp by Matt Collins, one of his many victims. Or was it really Matt? Local undertaker Billy Buffone knows more than he can bear about the murder, and about Matt’s role. Church minister Catherine has her own dark anguish that threatens to boil over in her feelings for Billy. Marathon resident David Giuliano’s first novel, The Undertaking of Billy Buffone, is a powerful, searing story of the fallout of the emotional damage done by pedophile Churley. It is also about the hope of redemption and healing for Billy Buffone.—Peter Fergus-Moore

NORTH HOUSE FOLK SCHOOL TRADITIONAL CRAFT CRAFT ONLINE & ON THE HARBOR TRADITIONAL ONLINE & ON THE HARBOR

NORTHHOUSE.ORG

REGISTRATION FOR ON-CAMPUS SUMMER COURSES OPEN NOW! NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

Strange Tales Saga of the Arbutus Tug and Rumrunning By Elle AndraWarner

On November 17, 1920, 45-year-old Captain George Stitt sailed the 63-foot Canadian tug Arbutus out of Port Arthur (present-day Thunder Bay) and headed across Lake Superior to Houghton, Michigan. Stashed in her coalbunkers were 22 cases of Scotch whiskey and 48 cases of rye. The Arbutus, built in 1887 and after years of service, was now a rum-runner in not great condition, registered to Captain Samuel Wright of Fort William (present-day Thunder Bay). And on this run, things did not go well for the 33-year-old tug. At the time, prohibition was in effect both in the United States and Canada. In Ontario, effective for 10 years from January 1917 to 1927, the sale of alcohol to bars and home consumption was prohibited— however, it was legal to manufacture and export it. In the U.S., the National Prohibition Act (Volstead Act) was in effect for 13 years from 1920 to 1933, and prohibited the manufacture, sale and transportation of all beer, wine and spirits, though some states had started prohibition a few years earlier, including Minnesota and Michigan.

Built in 1887 by Wm J. McDonald in Wallaceburg, Ontario, the tug Arbutus was 63-feet in length, 14.8-feet wide with a 7-foot depth. She had several Ontario owners over the years including Captain Samuel Wright from Fort William. Arbutus was seized on Lake Superior as a rumrunner in 1920 by U.S. authorities and sank a year later during a storm while being returned to her Canadian owners. | SUBMITTED

The mish-mash of prohibition laws made for a strange scenario. An online entry in The Canadian Encyclopedia notes that prohibition created “...the odd situation of allowing smugglers to leave Canada with shiploads of alcohol destined for their ‘dry’ neighbour, under the protection of Canadian law.” Soon, Port Arthur and Fort William—collectively known as the Lakehead—became the rumrunning headquarters for western Lake Superior to the U.S. In his paper “Rumrunning on Lake Superior: The Arbutus Story,” Dr. Russell M. Magnaghi writes that the Canadian bootleggers included the Bronfman family who used the Canadian Pacific Railway to provide easy access to imported liquor from other provinces. Magnaghi writes “The fact that a member of the Bronfman family owned a large hotel [now demolished Mariaggi Hotel] near the waterfront in Port Arthur facilitated the work of the rumrunners.” For years, rumours circulated that to smuggle the liquor there was a network of underground tunnels to the Thunder Bay waterfront from the Mariaggi and from nearby Prince Arthur Hotel where obstructed tunnels still exist. Arbutus’s tug captain Captain Stitt had over 10 years of sailing experience on the Great Lakes during which time he sometimes resided in Fort William. Born in 36

APRIL 2021

[LEFT] The waterfront Mariaggi Hotel (built in 1884 as the Northern Hotel; renamed in 1904 by new owner Frank

Mariaggi) was purchased by the Bronfman family in 1908. There has been plenty of speculation that the Bronfmans used the hotel as a liquor smuggling point to transport alcohol into the U.S. during Prohibition. | DAVE CANO [RIGHT] The Prince Arthur Hotel, built in 1911, was located a short walk from the railway station. Rumours are that

the series of underground tunnels—now blocked—were used to move liquor around and networked with the nearby Mariaggi Hotel. | SUBMITTED Prescott, Ontario of Irish heritage, he came from a family of mariners, including two brothers who were also tug captains (James and William). The Captain was married to Quebec-born Lucy La Pointe and had a young son, John. According to Dr. Magnaghi, on the Arbutus’s November sail across Lake Superior, the captain and crew drank a case of

NORTHERN WILDS

Scotch and ended up off course, landing at Copper Harbor on November 20. That attracted the attention of the lighthouse keeper Charles T. Davis who rowed out to the tug and—after being told by a crewmember the tug was carrying ‘wet goods’—realized it was a rumrunner and reported it to the collector of customs at Hancock, Michigan. Arbutus troubles were just beginning.

The next morning at 10:45, the Arbutus headed for Houghton, but heavy seas and low coal supply forced her to seek shelter at Eagle Harbor. Realizing they couldn’t make it to Houghton and anticipating U.S. agents were on their way to seize the tug and arrest him, the Captain abandoned ship, travelled to Houghton, and checked into a hotel under assumed name “George Phillips, Duluth” (originally signing, then

2 EXCEPTIONAL BUILDING SITES

erasing his real name). By the next morning he had disappeared, headed back to Canada presumably via Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Back on the Arbutus, all but two crew members had also fled. U.S. authorities arrived, arrested and jailed passenger John Dowd. Remaining on board was engineer James Dampier who, under maritime law, claimed ownership of the abandoned ship. He told authorities he had thrown the remaining 21 cases of liquor overboard (he didn’t tell them about the 48 cases of rye). After U.S. authorities searched the waters without finding any liquor, it was Dowd who admitted the cases of liquor thrown overboard had actually been retrieved by a motorboat alongside the tug and sold on shore.

Tait Lake Access – Lutsen, MN XX Pine Peak Rd. – $89,900 1.76 ac. XXX Pine Peak Rd. – $84,900 2.15 ac. For more information contact; Amanda Peterson – RE/MAX Results 612-812-5732 – Amanda@TheRitterTeam.com

Federal warrants were issued to Dowd and Dampier for transporting liquor, but there was some confusion about what action to take next as the tug was Canadian-owned and not docked. After dumping the liquor, Dampier had been planning to burn and scuttle the Arbutus but didn’t get the chance. What to do with the dilapidated boat until it was all sorted out?

The Genuine. The Original.

HEAD DOOR OVER

Overhead Door Company of Duluth

Finally, the Arbutus was loaded with coal and sailed to Houghton, arriving on December 3, 1920. Once the weather improved, she continued on to Marquette where she overwintered at the Coast Guard station. After Canadian owners convinced U.S. authorities that they had no idea the Arbutus was rumrunning, it was agreed to return Arbutus to them.

24 hour service

Phone 218-722-2884 www.ohdnorthernmn.com 4214 Airpark Blvd. Duluth, MN 55811

However, it wasn’t until a year later in November 1921 that the Arbutus left Marquette for Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario with Captain A. E. Fader of Fort William and a three-man crew. However, the waters were rough and the Arbutus sank about 15 miles northeast of Michigan’s Grand Marais, the crew rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. And where was Captain George Stitt? Well, after his wife Lucy died in Fort William at age 41 in 1922, he returned to southern Ontario, remarried a few years later and died in Toronto in 1935. As for the Bronfmans, they made a fortune in smuggling liquor and went on to become one of Canada’s wealthiest and most influential families.

South of the Border C · a · f · e

Breakfast Served All Day Lunch • Homemade Soups

Intriguing rumours still circulate about the network of supposedly rum-running tunnels under the Mariaggi Hotel and Prince Arthur Hotel. Part of the secret tunnel network still exists at the Prince Arthur Hotel (one directed to the Mariaggi site) but the tunnels are now blocked. | ELLE ANDRA-WARNER

We’re Open Before the Fish Bite! Open 5 am - 2 pm Everyday!

Located at the stop light in Grand Marais

Bear Island

Surveying

218-387-1505

LLC.

SpecializingSpecializing in all aspects of in All Aspects of Real surveys Estate Related Surveys real estate related Know Your Boundaries! Know Your Boundaries!

www.bearislandsurveying.com  218.365.6893 943 East Sheridan Street  Ely, Minnesota 55731  pob@bearislandsurveying.com

NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

L U T S E N R E A L E S T A T E G R O U P. C O M

(218) 663-7971 NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

Talk to Terry! Terry R. Backlund Broker/Owner Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Email: Terry@BacklundRealty.com

Frank Lehto Real Estate Agent Phone: 218-387-4955 Email: Frank@BacklundRealty.com

Lori A. Backlund Real Estate Agent 209 E 1ST AVE UNIT #3 GRAND MARAIS MN

I Love Listings!

New Listing



2 Bedroom 2 Bath 1000+ sq. ft. Lake Superior view. Underground parking. MLS# 6095221 Price: $289,000

X20 CTY RD 6 GRAND MARAIS MN

New Listing

5 SILVER FOX LOT GRAND MARAIS MN

Saleng i d n e P

5 Acres with well MLS# 6093854 Price: $47,900

Great Location. 20 Acres. MLS# 6095181 Price: $64,900

34 HUNGRY JACK RD GRAND MARAIS, MN

Saleng Pendi

3 Bedroom Log Cabin 313 ft. lakeshore on Road Lake MLS#6093449 Price: $237,500

We have buyers looking for homes



5 N BROADWAY GRAND MARAIS MN

New Listing Commercial Building 2578 sq. ft. Restaurant. Great location. Possibilities MLS# 6095312 Price: $399,000

9 N BROADWAY GRAND MARAIS MN

New Listing Commercial 50 x 82 lot. Fab location MLS# 6095295 Price: $139,000

For results list your property here

I Love Listings!



For more details call or check my website Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Terry@BacklundRealty.com

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

www.CBNorthShore.com Serving Cook County since 1971

140053 _ NORTH SHORE

(218) 387-2131 (800) 732-2131

101 West Hwy. 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604 info@cbnorthshore.com

Home s & C abin s

G N DI

N E P

NEW 4640 North Road

Watch the deer while you are relaxing in this sunny 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with vaulted ceilings featuring some impressive, handcrafted beams and large windows. 10A with insulated 2 car garage.

1039 W 2nd Street

Here is the chance for log cabin charm with in-town conveniences and access to all the great activities Cook County has to offer! 5BR, 2BA home with log walls, beams, and columns are complimented by many south facing windows with partial Lake Superior views.

MLS 6095030 $399,900

MLS 6095026 $239,900

G N I D

N E P 401 2nd Ave E

If you’ve been waiting for a 3BR home right in Grand Marais, this is it. Situated on a corner lot with a landscaped yard and a short walk to downtown. Top it off with an attached garage, greenhouse/garden shed and great little sauna! Check it out now

42 County Rd 60

Listen to the murmur of the Devil Track River from this lovely, beautifully maintained 4 BR, 3 BA home. Spacious living room, dining room and master bedroom. Attached 2-stall heated garage and detached garage is a great space for a workshop or toys.

MLS 6092982 $449,900

MLS 6094872 $259,900

D L SO 510 Humphrey Circle

Need more space?! 7 BR, 4 BA plus a 3 stall garage could be just what you’ve been looking for. Lower level could make a great mother-in-law apartment with a kitchen, 4BR and 2 BA.

MLS 6091991 $309,900

O n Lake Sup e rior

G N I D

N E P

16 Tamarack Trail

Peaceful and private Lake Superior retreat with 200 feet of shoreline on a park-like 2+ acre setting. Best of all worlds with gorgeous views of the big bay and easy access to town. This split-entry, 3-bedroom home takes full advantage of its southern exposure and views of the lake. Large garage.

MLS 6089858 $375,000 NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

INLAND LAKE PROPERTIES

G N I D

N E P 42 Soderberg Lane SERIOUSLY! Check out one of the only grandfathered-in Boat Houses in Cook County. This lot features 412 ft of shoreline on Birch Lake with 3+ acres. Property includes an older rustic cabin, is fully surveyed, year-round access. MLS 6088180 $209,000 REDUCED

D L SO

NEW Tom Lake

NEW Poplar Lake

Wishing for an affordable inland lake lot? Here it is! Over 20A with 300’ of shoreline on Tom Lake. All the privacy you long for and close to the BWCA and Superior Hiking Trail. MLS 6095017 $95,000

Exceptional 1.65 acre lakeshore lot on the shores of Poplar Lake with 144’ of shoreline, located mid-way up the Gunflint Trail. Year round access, 240 sq ft boat house, dock and driveway. MLS 6095227 $159,900

D L SO

XX Soderberg Lane

Devil Track Lake

Tom Lake

37 plus acres of accessible privacy with Birch Lake shoreline!! An old cabin on the SE corner could be used as temporary shelter and the acreage has potentially harvestable timber.

5.9 acres to make your dreams come true on the popular north side of Devil Track Lake! 340 feet of shoreline to enjoy all the fun things to do on the water!

Affordable AND attractive lot on Tom Lake, complete with a solid driveway and cleared building site. Very private with 1.6 acres and 189 ft of shoreline.

MLS 6094314 $189,000

MLS 6085879 $159,900

MLS 6090351 $64,900

Greenwood Lake

Tom Lake

Gorgeous south facing 2+ acre with 276’ of shoreline. Features YR access, driveway in, picnic area and walking trails. Development shared ownership includes private boat launch and surrounded by federal lands.

Tom Lake lot with over 200 feet of frontage and an easy slope to the lake! There’s a shed and a dock waiting for you to start your adventure. MLS 6083377 $69,900

MLS 6094281 $149,900

101 West Hwy. 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604 info@cbnorthshore.com 140053 _ NORTH SHORE

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

(218) 387-2131

•

(800) 732-2131

www.CBNorthShore.com

Commercial

D L SO

17 1st Ave West

D L SO

This commercial space in downtown Grand Marais has plenty of space with an open front for whatever business you imagine. It is equipped with a full commercial kitchen, complete bar, walk-in cooler, security & fire alarm system, surveillance system, restaurant cash register system, pool table, TV screens, and games.

MLS 6093980 $389,900

1807 Hwy 61 West

A commercial building prominently located on the Hwy 61 corridor has off-street parking and great visibility. Over 1100 square feet of space for offices or restructure it to retail space. Complete with kitchen and bath, it could be repurposed to residential living. Dare to imagine what business you might create.

MLS 6093975 $189,900

Land

ING

XX LeVeaux Ridge Beautiful and affordable lot, with electricity, phone and broadband on site, abuts to State land for added privacy! Close proximity to many recreation options! MLS 6093481 $22,500

2X South Shore Drive Location is everything! This 5+ acre lot is just minutes to Grand Marais with a country setting yet close to the action. Easily accessible from County maintained roads. MLS 6091924 $45,000

NEW XX County Road 67 Breathtaking views from this 2.7A lot that directly abuts State Land to the east and there is DNR owned Lake Superior shoreline to the south. Quite accessible to year-round access and all utilities. MLS 6095245 $39,900

West Hwy 61 Attractive & affordable building site with 3+ acres & easy access right off of Hwy 61. Minutes from town and Close to Cascade River State Park MLS 6093939 $35,000

PEN

NEW XX County Road 67 Gorgeous year round view of Lake Superior on this 2.7 acres with gently rolling topography with a gradual slope towards the lake. Truly a wonderful location to build that dream home! MLS 6095244 $82,000 NEW 1XX Gauthier Road Build your off-grid north woods getaway on this beautiful 20 acre parcel with Lake Superior views! Seasonal access less than 2 miles from Highway 61 and an eighth mile from Superior Hiking Trail. MLS 6095138 $49,900 NEW TBD Jackson Lake Rd 38A with unbelievable, top of the world panoramic views of Lake Superior, the surrounding hills, ponds & streams. New driveway in place and is surrounded by State land on 3 sides. MLS 6095246 $149,900 NEW 23XX Lima Grade Are you searching for a private 20A on the Gunflint Trail and the feeling of your own private wilderness area? This is it! Lot is bordered by the BWCA, National Forest and the Poplar Creek runs through it. MLS 6095243 $89,900 Railroad Drive Lutsen Sweet 1.7 A building site located in the heart of Lutsen. Gently rolling topography, mature trees and easy building site. MLS 6084050 $39,900

14x Bloomquist Mtn Rd Ten acres of mature trees including huge White Pines! Sloping lot with lots of southern exposure for sunshine all year long. MLS 6075850 $47,500 County Rd 14 Terrific and extremely affordable pieces of land with good high building sites and interesting game attracting low areas as well. MLS 6086957 $38,900 12XX County Road 7 5+ acres on County Rd 7 only a half mile from the hospital. You can have the privacy of a country size lot and the convenience of being in the city of Grand Marais. MLS 6092003 $54,900 1X South Shore Drive So many options with this 5+ acre lot! Mature trees in a country setting close to popular Devil Track Lake, the airport, and only minutes to Grand Marais. MLS 6091923 $45,000 Jonvick Creek Sites 12 lots available from 1.5 - 4.8 acres In the heart of Lutsen, just off the Caribou Trail. Maples, Pines, and cedars in varied arrangements will make a great back-drop for your home or cabin. Each property adjoins public land making your space seem even more private. $29,900 $49,900

D L SO 13X Timberwolf Lane

Lake Superior views from this 5 A lot are spectacular! It fronts highway 61protecting your southern view and is accessed YR from the north by a well-built shared driveway.

MLS 6094156 $84,900

G N DI

1XX Ski Hill Rd

Dreamed of a getaway on the North Shore? Over a half acre on Lutsen’s Ski Hill Road with the west side of the property overlooking Superior National Golf Course.

MLS 6093169 $49,900

Lar ge Ac r e age

N E P

1xx High Ridge Drive Schroeder

15 acre lot high on the ridge is ready for your dream home or weekend getaway! Views of Lake Superior to the south and valley to the north.

MLS 6082812 $94,900

Camp 20 Rd

170 acres that has been replanted with pine trees. Rolling topography, many building sites and hiking trails. Gravel pit and a small wildlife pond. State land to the south & east.

MLS 6074422 - $149,900

NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI • Linda Garrity, Realtor Cathy Hahn, ABR/GRI • Larry Dean, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor

Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599 (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604

LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTIES

SALIENG PE N D

SUPERIOR LOCATION, WATERFRONT IN GRAND MARAIS.

Situated on 160 ft of stunning shoreline with awesome views of the east bay and Artist Point, this early homestead has great commercial potential, or use as a residential home. The large 2 bdrm, 3 bath home has many options for an Inn or B&B. Two garages, one with living space above, plus a charming shed. MLS#6090933, MLS#6091122 $650,000

IT'S A “SHORE THING”!

SALIENG PE N D

Open living concept. "Chef's" kitchen. Lake views. Beautiful "Thunder Bay" Amethyst fireplace will amaze you! Location - short drive to Grand Marais. Afternoon tea at Naniboujou. Hike Devil's Kettle. Fishing the Brule! But even better - just a few level steps out your front door to the "Superior" Lake.

MLS#6095252 $499,900 HOVLAND CABIN ON SUPERIOR.

SALIENG PE N D

Over 340 feet of shoreline on Lake Superior, and 120 feet of additional shoreline on Carlson Creek! The cabin features vertical Aspen halflog exterior, with wood panel interior. The creek flowing through the property gives you your own spot to hook some spring steelhead. MLS#6090311

$280,000

BIG VIEWS ON FIVE ACRES. This cabin sits on

almost 5 acres of land and includes 543 feet of Lake Superior shoreline in the Big Bay area of Hovland. Whether or not you are looking to build your dream home or use this as is for a getaway you will have some amazing views on the Big Lake.

SALIENG PE N D

MLS#6086940 $239,000

SALIENG PE N D

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES LARGE TWO ISLAND LAKE RETREAT GRAND MARAIS.

This 46+ acre property includes a peninsula with outstanding lake views. Wide creek and tons of wildlife. Privacy assured with over 1600 ft of lake front, plus over 2000 ft of creek. Literally walk to the BWCAW. Charming 4-season, 2 bdrm cabin with large dock and easy lakeshore access. Property can be sub-divided. MLS#6087574 $845,900

This lot has great lake views and looks east to the ridges running up the coast. An old cabin is situated right along the shore. Nice home sites with access to power and Broadband. The woods is deep and enchanting with large spruce and moss covered boulders. End of the road privacy. MLS#6088024

$219,000

STUNNING PANORAMIC VIEWS.

Beautiful, very private residential lot on Lake Superior in Chimney Rock Platted development. Premier quality with stunning elevated and panoramic views of the big Lake. The over sized septic in and paid. MLS#6092289

$204,500

MLS#6083761 $169,900

NORTH FOWL LAKE CABIN. Only a

lucky few get to own cabins here. Remote water access from the US side, or drive in to the landing on Ontario side. Stunning views, easy access to the BWCA. The 2 bdrm cabin is one of the nicest remote cabins you'll find. Includes a great sauna.

TOM LAKE ESCAPE.

This cabin boasts 195 ft of gorgeous shoreline on Tom Lake, manicured lawn, and covered deck space on two sides of the house for relaxing and entertaining! Lake draw water, a mound septic system and generator power. Additional land and lakeshore available for purchase. Year round access. MLS#6092306 $339,000

LARGE, PRIVATE RETREAT – TOM LAKE.

This original family cabin is well built and in good shape, tucked into a large private tract on beautiful Tom Lake. 52 acres of pine and cedar with 1287' private shoreline. Adjoining state land for plenty of room to explore. This is a rare find. MLS#6092390 $324,900

MLS#6023214 $139,900

NEW! GUNFLINT TRAIL LOT – LOON LAKE.

This heavily wooded lot has 300 feet of shoreline on beautiful Loon Lake. Views are pristine looking to Federal land across the lake. The shoreline is great, the home site is high with great views. Power, Broadband and year round road access. MLS#6095219 $135,000

TWO EXCEPTIONAL TOM LAKE LOTS.

These special properties offer opportunities. One lot is a beautiful forested peninsula with cove, and the other has a nice mix of tree cover and open build sites. Accessible, yet away from it all. Build your dream here! MLS#6092307

$97,000, MLS#6092308 $129,000

CEDAR LOG CABIN - MCFARLAND LAKE. Two bedroom cabin,

SOLD

PRIVATE TOM LAKE LOT. 25 acres and 671

ft of shoreline on a great walleye lake! Nice white pines, fantastic rock outcropping for your dock. Remote access - no road easements are in place. You can visit this spot by boat or snowmobile.

large deck, cathedral ceiling and open floor plan. Log guest cabin, storage buildings, log sided sauna and new outhouse to code. Wilderness views from 150 feet of shore, good for swimming, newer dock.

Comes partially furnished. MLS#6090709 $229,000

LAKE SUPERIOR – ENCHANTING BIG BAY.

TOM LAKE LOT WITH DOCK.

Imagine owning over 650 feet of shoreline on a fantastic walleye lake! The driveway is in and the dock is at the shoreline. Gentle slope with nice building sites. Electric and broadband are nearby, year round access.

LEVEL LOTS, NICE WOODS, EASY SHORE.

MLS#6083597 $99,999

WOW, LAKE PRIVACY AND HUGE REDUCED PRICE! 20 acres on beautiful Lost Lake, a private, remote wilderness

lake with only a few parcels. It holds the mystique of a hidden lake full of hungry trout. Privacy is guaranteed because all lots are 20 acres in size. This outstanding lot has huge white pines, a cabin site on a knoll looking south over the whole lake, and great accessible shoreline for your dock. Seasonal road access.

These Devil Track Lake lots have easy access from a county road, power, phone and great building sites. South shore, 200+ ft. frontage, great views. Build your home on the lake here!

MLS#6033181 SOLD MLS#6078259 $198,00 NEW! LAKE SUPERIOR, BIG BAY, BIG VIEWS.

Dense spruce forest, moss covered boulders and privacy make this a classic Lake Superior lot. 200 feet of shore with partial driveway in place, shared road maintenance, power and Broadband ready to go. Easy access from Hwy 61, secluded feeling location, adjoining state land.

MLS#6094964 $172,900

MLS#6094952 $99,900 REDUCED SOLITUDE ON LOON LAKE. Three great lots on the south side of Loon Lake. Fantastic shoreline, beautiful views, many nice trees. Located near the Gunflint Trail on a private road. Driveway in with power on the lot line. MLS#6089603

$94,900, 6089604 $96,000, 6089606 $88,000

www.RedPineRealty.com • Locally owned and operated since 1996 • info@RedPineRealty.com 44

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES & CABINS REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Gail J.HOMES Englund, GRI • Linda Garrity, Realtor

SOLD

Cathy Hahn, ABR/GRI • Larry Dean, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor

acre lakeshore lot with some incredible views. Situated in a quiet and peaceful bay. Tom Lake is a good fishing lake with access to power/electric and broadband.

MLS#6091084 $87,900

ESCAPE TO NINEMILE LAKE.

Nice, quiet lake between Tofte and Finland known for its recreational opportunities. 2.9 acres very near the BWCAW. Good snowmobile access to the Tomahawk Trail and miles of trail riding.

MLS#6085601 $59,900

SALIENG PE N D

RUSTIC HOVLAND THE BALLY RETREAT. HOUSE B&B. A small log cabin on 40 acres Seeped in deep history highlighted by rolling hills and and an abundance some mature white pines. This is of charm and class, (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com a very pretty property near Devil The Bally House Bed Fish Lake. Real log construction in PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604 & Breakfast is now this simple, yet functional cabin. available. Not only MLS#6090303 $74,900 does it have 4 guests rooms (each w/ their own bathroom), COMMERCIAL but the owner's home/quarters is spectacular itself. Absolutely turn-key. Updated throughout and lovingly maintained. Massive NEW! BIG garage, lovely little stone garage, garden shed, unbelievable grounds. OPPORTUNITY, MLS#6092798, 6092800 $649,000 MANY POSSIBILITIES CLASSIC LOG Prime commercial location HOME – SCENIC in Hovland with 1000 feet MOOSE VALLEY. of Highway 61 frontage. Beautifully crafted, 4 Large commercial space, bdrm log home on 81 with a small 2 bedroom home and 1 functioning rental cottage. Many acres with a mountainnew improvements and upgrades. Two other small cabins could be rented. Large 2-car garage plus 2 sheds. This site has been a centrally like setting. Large located historical business location and has many options for your kitchen, large walk out entrepreneurial pursuits. MLS#6095045 $287,000 basement, huge heated garage with work shop, PROSPERITY AWAITS two historic cabins used - Fantastic business/commercial for storage, small creek and thousands of acres of adjoining state forest opportunity right in the heart of to explore. MLS#6089088 $446,000

E(800) 387-9599 SAL Red Pine Realty • G I PE N D N

LARGE TOM LAKE LOT. Gently sloped 4.34

GREAT PRICE LAKE LOT. Deep woods,

seclusion and nice views from this Tom Lake lot. This is the desired west side of the lake with access from the Camp 20 Rd. Enjoy a peaceful lake property with good access. Adjacent land available.

MLS#6085287 $43,900

BEAUTIFUL PRIVATE LOTS ON HARE LAKE.

SALIENG PE N D

downtown Grand Marais. Bring your ideas and become part of a supportive and welcoming community! MLS#6094481

BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED TIMBER FRAME HOME

A monster-size pole barn with a rec room inside, a wood burning sauna, a charming wood shed... all on 36.30 acres of wonderful wooded land. Quality, style, warmth & uniqueness abounds. Short drive to downtown, Grand Marais. Power/ broadband, compliant septic, too! MLS#6091718 $264,900

SOLD

Deep, private lots with maple, spruce and cedars, accessible shoreline and nice elevated building sites. Power and cell phone service. This area is surrounded by U.S.F.S. lands near Finland and Isabella. Priced to sell! 13 lots ranging from 1-7 acres.

REMOTE HIDE-A-WAY. Charming custom built 2 bdrm, 2 bath cabin tucked in the woods overlooking a beaver pond. Screened porch for summer dining. A cozy Franklin stove warms the whole building. The full basement is a complete guest space. Generator power and over 100 acres to explore. MLS#6029349 $244,000

MLS#6093661 $53,900, MLS#6093663 $45,900 ONLY 2 LOTS LEFT! SECLUDED LOT W/ LAKE ACCESS LOT.

This 3.8 acre densely wooded lot has good access off a county road, and the Tomahawk Snowmobile Trail. Includes a 1.2 acre lot on Hare Lake. Perfect place to keep your boat and water accessories. The 2 lots are permanently joined by deed restriction. There is power and cell phone service..Only 20 minutes to Lutsen ski and golf!

MLS#6094774 $44,900

HOMES & CABINS TOP OF THE LINE LIVING.

Secluded 30 acres. Magnificent 2 bdrm, 2 bath home features: marble tile floors, soaring cathedral ceilings, stone fireplace, a master bath with hot tub and sauna, marble stairs and local artist's work etched in the glass surrounding the loft. Incredible elegance and outdoor appeal. Attached 2000 square ft garage has huge boat storage bay, perfect workshop space and a guest space in the 2nd level.

MLS#6094773 $675,000 REDUCED

SPACIOUS 4 BEDROOM HOME.

What a buy! 18 miles from Grand Marais. Large 4 bedroom home AND 4 car heated garage nestled in the woods on the edge of Hovland. Potential for downstairs apartment.

SALIENG PE N D

MLS#6094777 $239,900

SALIENG PE N D

GETAWAY COTTAGE NEAR DEVIL TRACK RIVER. This little cottage needs some good TLC, but it's a start for someone who wants a seasonal getaway at an affordable price. Spacious yard, surrounded by towering pines and poplars. Property boundary is steps away from Devil Track River. MLS#6085486 $76,000

$189,000 GRAND MARAIS OPPORTUNITY.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire vacant commercial property in Grand Marais, and your business options are nearly endless! Zoned Service Commercial/Industrial, any type of business is possible here. Property includes a paved driveway and frontage on Highway 61.

MLS#6092309 $168,000 LARGE GRAND MARAIS LOT. Nice 3.60 acre commercial

lot with potential for multi family housing subject to city approval. Good location on the west end of Grand Marais just off Hwy 61. Easy access to the bike trail. MLS#6089284 $149,500

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE BRULE RIVER CABIN SOLITUDE- 1,300+ ft. of

Brule River frontage with 80 acres, a log/wood cabin, sauna/storage & outhouse. No techy devices needed...unplug! Paddle/swim/ fish...(hello, BWCA!!) The cabin is outfitted with a wood burning stove, propane on site, comfortable furnishings, an incredible cook stove, ample sleeping space and plenty of storage. MLS#6094305 $425,000

SPACIOUS LOG HOMESTEAD - Beautiful

SALIENG PE N D

log house (2bdrm, 2 bath), on 10 acres with plenty of space. Property has river frontage on the Flute Reed and space to hike around in the evergreen forest. No shortage of garage space for vehicles and outdoor toys in the 2 car garage and large pole barn. Includes a small guest cabin. MLS#6094771 $349,000

LARGE TRACT WITH CREEK.

This 319 acre parcel has ponds & creek frontage on the Flute Reed River. Great for hunting or homesteading. Access is by unimproved easement from the Camp 20 Road, near county maintenance. The land may be split - take your pick of "40's"! MLS#6095106 $258,000

GREAT HUNTING LAND

Easily accessible via the logging road at Casper's Hill Rd and runs east through the 158 acres. Includes creek front footage, aspen, balsam and spruce stands. Abundant deer sign, and good grouse habitat. East side of property abuts Judge Magney State Park. Property is subject to SFIA land use covenants. MLS#6094370 $199,000

www.RedPineRealty.com • Locally owned and operated since 1996 • info@RedPineRealty.com NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI • Linda Garrity, Realtor Cathy Hahn, ABR/GRI • Larry Dean, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor

Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599 (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604

LAND/BUILDING SITES

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE SWEET HIDE-A-WAY ON CREEK.

Sit on your screen porch overlooking the Carlson Creek valley and listen to the babbling brook. Cute 2 room cabin + loft is simple and designed as an easy retreat with no power or cell phones, just nature and the flowing creek. Warm wood stove and updated kitchen with beautiful hickory cabinets. MLS#6091758 $120,000

DEEP WOODS, MONS CREEK.

Nice “40” with good tree cover and creek frontage, where you could launch your canoe. There's a great building site overlooking Mons Creek from a high point. Good road access, but private and secluded. The property has private deeded access to Lost Lake, which is a short walk away. Wilderness feel. New trail cut into the property so you can see the potential!

MLS#6089091 $58,900 WOODS, WATER & SECLUSION.

Three 40 acre lots with 600 to 1000 ft frontage on Mons Creek. Also includes deeded access to Lost Lake. Private and secluded. MLS#6089089 $69,900

or MLS#6089091 $58,900 REDUCED or MLS#6089090 $69,900 NICE HOME SITE NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Nice elevation and views from this 6.75

acre lot off of County Rd 6 just minutes from town. Frontage on Little Devil Track River. MLS#6031740

$51,000 GREAT RECREATIONAL PARCEL.

Exceptional recreational parcel. Seller used for deer hunting, home base for fishing and hiking the area. There is a 1000' driveway that is brushed open, an open cleared space with a 30' Dutchman trailer. 1500' of Mons Creek runs the length of the property. MLS#6092273

SOLD

$47,500

500’ ON MONS CREEK.

Mixed topography of beautiful rolling land with many great build sites on 25 acres. Old growth cedar, spruce, pine and birch. Abuts

state land. MLS#6029353 $37,000

LAND/BUILDING SITES SPECTACULAR LAKE VIEW.

Expansive lake views and enchanting forest make up a unique 13 acre parcel. Just 15 minutes from Grand Marais, and a short walk to Lake Superior's shore. Power and Broadband are available. Shared driveway leads almost to the property line. MLS#6090230 $132,000

NEW! GREAT HUNTING LAND.

NEW! CREATE YOUR OWN NORTH SHORE HAVEN.

Easily accessible via the logging road that starts at Casper's Hill Road and runs east through the majority of the 158 acres. Includes creek front footage, as well as aspen, balsam and spruce stands. Abundant deer sign, and good grouse habitat. Plenty of space to explore on an ATV or mountain bike. East side of property abuts Judge Magney State Park. Property is subject to SFIA land use covenants.

Beautifully wooded and conveniently located parcel, 11.03 acres, that would make a fantastic place to build your year-round home or cabin. Private, nicely buffered between "neighbors". Cty. Rd. 48 is accessible yearround and offers a lovely drive that offers that "Up North" feel that so many search for.

MLS#6094370 $199,000 INCREASINGLY RARE, LARGE RECREATIONAL PARCEL. 190 arces fully

surveyed. The perfect retreat. Has a rich variety of trees, ponds, high and low lands, some meadow land and wetlands. MLS#6029820 $129,000

LARGE WOODED ESCAPE. A rare 80 acre retreat or home site just off county road with power and Broadband nearby. Great location in remote area of Cook County with close proximity to Lake Superior and miles of trails and back roads to roam. Many good building sites. MLS#6090145 $109,900 HUGE POND-HUGE PRIVACY.

MLS#6095284 $67,900

FORTY WITH PONDS – COUNTY RD FRONTAGE. This

adjoining federal SALIENGponds, land and easy access with frontage on County Rd 14. PE N D Just 15 minutes from Grand

Large 45+ acre wooded parcel located across from Tom Lake. Huge pond/lake in the very center of the acreage.

MLS#6083920 $90,000 LARGE PARCEL NEAR SHORE.

This heavily wooded 12 acre parcel is within a short walk to the shore of Lake Superior. Great lake affect and plenty of privacy. Rough shared driveway in place. Close to Broadband and power. Older travel trailer included.

MLS#6090231 $87,900 10 ACRE LOTS NEAR GRAND MARAIS. Four 10 acre lots only a few miles from

40 acre parcel has beaver

Marais. 1000s of acres of USFS lands on the west

border. MLS#6076727 $65,000

LARGE LAND, POND, LAKE RIGHTS.

Densely wooded 60 acre parcel with beaver ponds and access to Lost Lake. Good seasonal road access, many great building sites and southerly exposure.

MLS#6086104 $63,900 LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS – GREAT LOCATION.

Five heavily wooded acres with driveway to a beautiful building site. Great lake view! Only minutes to Grand Marais. Nice mix of trees, quiet dead-end road, south exposure, power and Broadband nearby. Perfect for your home in the woods. MLS#6086767

Grand Marais on County Rd 48 and Bally Creek Rd. Some Lake Superior views and potential for more! Several driveways are in with buried electric along the northern border. New culverts, nice build sites, new survey.

$63,000 GREAT LOCATION HOME SITES.

MATURE WOODS, LAKE VIEW, CLOSE TO GRAND MARAIS.

$62,900, MLS#6094099 $42,900 NEW! LARGE ACREAGE NEAR TOM LAKE. Two parcels with 40 acres near year round

MLS#6091811 $75,000

LE G A S Great 20 acre parcel on County NDIN E Road 14 with mature forest P and Lake Superior views. Good area for a home or recreational property. Could be subdivided. MLS#6086641 $74,900

NEW! 40 OF PINES NEAR TOM LAKE.

40 acres with good road access and an easy walk to the Tom Lake boat landing. Year-round road, power is possible here. Many great building sites. Nice forest of plated pine. Great recreational area. Adjoins state land. Easy access to trails and other lakes.

MLS#6095108 $69,900 HIDDEN GEM IN HOVLAND. Explore 40

acres of seclusion with dramatic views from the south facing bluff. Beautiful mixed forest and abundant wildlife. Small gravel pit for your future building needs. The neighbors have electricity and the road has been kept open all winter through a road association. MLS#6076192

$68,000

Just minutes from Grand Marais on black top County Rd 7 are two 5+ acre lots with easy access to power and Broadband. Good building sites. MLS#6094098

road access and power. An easy walk to the Tom Lake boat landing. Shared easement granted to build driveway into property. Many great building sites. Great recreational area. Easy access to trails and other lakes.

MLS#6095113, 6095114 $60,000 each GRAND MARAIS VACANT LOT. Nicely wooded parcel on quiet street in the west end of town. Three full city lots facing south with city street, curb and gutter, utilities near by. Short walking distance to the harbor. MLS#6093024 $59,900

LARGE LAND, MAPLES, LAKE ACCESS. This 67 acre parcel has high maple ridges,

a pond, and an easement to walk to Tom Lake. Many trails to ride and forest to explore. MLS#6085291

$59,900 DENSELY WOODED, HIGH GROUND – 20 ACRES IN HOVLAND. Great location

SOLD

not too far off the beaten path, potential lake views, nice forest and feels remote and private. Just off Jackson Lake DNR Forestry Road. Potential off-grid home site or cabin site. MLS#6085963 $54,900

NEW! GREAT LOCATION HOME SITE. Close to Grand Marais, off of blacktop county

roads and near Devil Track Lake, this is a great site for your home or cabin. Thousands of acres of public lands out your back door. This 5.71 acre parcel has power and Broadband available at the road.

MLS#6095232 $52,900 4 TOFTE LOTS. These lots (approx. 2

SALIENG PEND$51,800 - $63,300 MLS#6093756-59

acres each) offer electric and walking distance from downtown Tofte! Perfect location to build a year-round home. Potential for Lake Superior views from some lots.

WILDLIFE HAVEN.

Fairly flat 5.92 acre property despite being located on a hill. Nice mix of poplar, pines and birch trees. Lots of wildlife activity - deer, grouse and wolves. Potential distant Lake Superior view. Adjacent property available (MLS #6082089). MLS#6082090 $49,900

WOODED SECLUSION IN GRAND MARAIS.

Several great wooded lots on the west side of Grand Marais, a mile from down town. Close to the bike trail with privacy on a dead end road. Septic and wells allowed, power and broadband available. MLS#6087223,

26, 28 $49,900 – 58,500

NEW! 20 ACRES WITH LAKE VIEWS

Beautiful 20 acre parcel with lake views!! If it's hunting you want, good luck finding 20 acres that can compete. Property borders reservation land on the north and east sides and Federal land to the south. The land is covered with beautiful trees and wildlife! Currently there is no road to the property, which is factored into the asking price. MLS#6094977 $49,000

SALIENG PE N D

ROLLING LAND, PINES, HOME SITES. Two 10 acre parcels of heavily wooded land

within 10 minutes of Grand Marais. Great location with remote feel near trails and thousands of acres of Federal land, yet close to town and the big lake. County road with utilities. MLS#6076539 $49,900

WOODED PROPERTY NEAR GRAND MARAIS. 10+ acres with nice trees,

SOLD

hills and a sm. creek. A great place for a home or deer camp. Adjacent lot also for sale (MLS#6082090).

MLS#6082089 $46,900 BUILDING SITE OVERLOOKING MCFARLAND. This pine studded 7 acre

SALIENG PE N D

property has easy walking access to the county beach on McFarland Lake. Nice elevated build site with easy county road access. MLS#6085111 $43,000

NEW! FORTY ACRES NEAR FINLAND

Old homestead property in “Cramer” adjoining state land, and very close to Cramer Lake. No road access.

MLS#6095233 $34,900 AFFORDABLE LOT NEAR LAKE SUPERIOR. Two acres of mixed forest with spruce,

SOLD

poplar and birch. Two great building sites separated by a creek. The roads are plowed by the association. The covenants do NOT have minimum house size requirements. MLS#6092140 $33,000

www.RedPineRealty.com • Locally owned and operated since 1996 • info@RedPineRealty.com 46

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

Lynne Luban

Over 15 years selling downtown MPLS Condo living. Currently representing this developers 10th project THE LEGACY. I am available to meet with you in Grand Marais or Minneapolis to go over prices & floor plans.

Cell: 612-599-6986

Email: lynneluban@mac.com Website: thelegacyminneapolis.com

Northern Wilds Real Estate

U O

LIVE OUT YOUR LEGACY IN NEW CONDOS IN MILLS DISTRICT BY THE GUTHRIE! Contact me for a personal viewing of floor plans, photos of construction views and pricing.

Covering the communities in the North Shore area from Duluth, MN past Thunder Bay, Ont. Check in with any of our advertising Real Estate Agents for information on how to buy or sell your property.

! T

10 LEFT

D L

2 NEW CONSTRUCTION CONDO BUILDINGS IN DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS

O S

11 Left at Legacy • 1 left at Porltand Tower

Subscribe to our free online magazine with listings: northernwilds.com

A New Luxury Condo Development 740 Portland Avenue • Downtown Minneapolis

Full views. A fraction of the price.

• 17 story New Contsruction • Pet-friendly building • High end standard features • Community and Fully equipped exercise room, and outdoor roof top green space • Climate controlled parking • Just a few blocks from US Bank Stadium • Additional garage stalls available for purchase • Walk the Skyway for all your needs

• Within a few blocks of Lightrail • Close to the Nicollet Mall • Choose from many restaurants close by! • Walk two blocks to the new 9 arce Commons Park that extends from the US Bank Stadium to Portland Avenue. • Choose from many available options to customize your unit.

Bluefin Bay Condos & Townhomes

Own a piece of Minnesota’s Favorite Resort

All units are currently sold. To be notified when something comes available, email eric@bluefinbay.com.

Eric Frost

Sales Agent, Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts

New townhomes, total coastal luxury right on the shore of Lake Superior. 3,000 s/f, 3BR, 3BA. Quarter-share ownership w/ ﬂexibility for personal use & rental income. Excellent family retreat or investment property. Prices from $174K-$215K, includes furnishings.

Let Eric, exclusive sales agent for Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts, provide the details about each property and guide you through the process. Contact him today to learn more.

218-663-6886 | eric@bluefinbay.com

NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

Call TimberWolff for Your Fun Times on the Shore! Spring has Arrived! A Wonderful Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Time To Walk the Land and See the Homes! Local 663-8777 •

Toll free (877) 664-8777 DREAMING OF LAKE SUPERIOR? ON THE WATER, LAKE VIEWS! Info@TimberWolffRealty.com

D L SO

NEW! SUNRISES ON LAKE SUPERIOR! This 2 bedroom Townhome Overlooking Lake Superior is the the getaway you have dreamed about! Relax by the stone fireplace or enjoy the sunrises and sunsets from the deck overlooking Lake Superior. Beautiful kitchen, open concept to the living area, perfect for entertaining! You’ll love the owner’s bedroom and bath, with a soaking tub complete with Lake Views! Attached 1 car garage! 600ft of shared Lake Superior shoreline. Perfect location between Lutsen and Tofte! MLS#6095093 $370,900 NEW! ENJOY THE WONDERMENT OF LAKE SUPERIOR! Sweet little Rustic cabin, enjoy your days sitting in the screen porch enjoying the sounds of the waves hitting the shore as your plan your adventures. Or Curl up next to the gas stove in the cozy cabin with a good book. 2+ acres with 301ft of Lake Superior shoreline. Close to hiking trails and Temperance River State Park and Cross River in Schroeder you will always have a new place to explore close by.

MLS#6095143 $249,900

E SA L ING D PEN

MOUNTAIN TOP LIVING ON MINNESOTA’S NORTH SHORE!

Breathtaking views of Lake Superior are the focus of this home, built by David Salmela. Lofty Red Pines are scattered amongst the boreal forest surrounding this 4 bedroom home while overlooking the wild country of Tettegouche State Park.

MLS#6086880 $650,000

500+ FT ON LAKE SUPERIOR WITH LODGE STYLE HOME!Used as a Vacation Rental, Bay Breeze is all about

comfortable style with spaces designed for entertaining from the Great Room to the Lakeside Deck! A must see home! MLS#6084180 $479,000

D L O S

OLDEN DAYS ON THE BEACH! BY THE SHINING BIG SEA WATER!

Large parcels of Lake Superior property are not easy to come by these days. Here’s one from the old days, back when the fisherman picked their spots. 4 plus acres, 318 feet of frontage. Not just any frontage, a really beautiful beach! Endless colorful cobbles churn up daily. It’s secluded here, downhill and distant from the highway. Peaceful below mature spruce. It first was a homestead, and little bits of yesteryear turn up here and there: a horseshoe, old bottle. There’s a story in this land. The old fish house is now a charming cabin, front row seat to all the Gitche Gumee action! MLS#6094219 $499,000

D L SO SURFSIDE #16A ON LAKE SUPERIOR, MINUTES TO LUTSEN MOUNTAINS! MLS#6080869 $179,900 FOR YOUR ¼ SHARE!

LAKE SUPERIOR LAND NEW! ENJOY 3.83 ACRES WITH 255FT OF LAKE SUPERIOR SHORELINE!

Great site overlooking level access to Lake Superior! MLS#6092322

$249,900 SOLD

NEW! ENDLESS VIEWS OF LAKE SUPERIOR IN SCHROEDER!

Nice chunk of shoreline on over 2 acres with 301 ft on Lake Superior! Beautiful build site with excellent views. Power and fiber brought in to the land, private road access off Highway 61. Utilize the cozy rustic cabin until you build.

MLS#6095146 $249,900

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK AND LIKE TIMBERWOLFF R EALTY! 48

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

Call TimberWolff for Your Fun Times on the Shore! Spring has Arrived! A Wonderful Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Time To Walk the Land and See the Homes! Local 663-8777 • Toll free (877) 664-8777

Info@TimberWolffRealty.com

WILDERNESS HOMES, LAKE VIEWS, AND IN TOWN…READ ALL ABOUT ‘EM!

NEW!! FUN TIMES EAST OF GRAND MARAIS!

This beautiful home welcomes you as you enter! From the spacious family room upstairs and relaxing rec room downstairs with tons of windows for natural light to the large deck overlooking the yard, you will have plenty of space to relax and enjoy your Up North home! Updated kitchen, flooring, and rec room. 3 bedrooms, two baths, space for the entire gang! 2 car garage with Attic storage, and a storage shed/workshop tops it all off! Beautiful landscaping includes apple trees, rhubarb patch, raspberry plants and grape vines! Visit today and start relaxing on the North Shore!

MLS#6095185 $325,000

E L A S ING D N E P

NEW! WELCOMING HOME IN GRAND MARAIS! Close to

town, yet in the peaceful Northwood’s, this 4 bedroom home will have room for the whole gang. Gorgeous forest to look at while sitting on the large deck, perfect place for BBQ’s or peaceful morning coffee. 3 bedrooms on main level give you plenty of space to create your home office. Lower Level walk out could easily be a rental. Take your time, relax, this is home: time to settle in.

D L O S

MLS#6094797 $299,900

D L O S

NEW! YEAR ROUND HOME IN FINLAND! Great elevation and 10 acres to

play on with nice views of the ridge and Baptism River. Home was moved and rehabbed from Cliff and Shore Resort, was the middle section of the building. Great home for year round living or just having it as a cabin with perfect location. Very charming open floor plan with lots of natural light in the living area. Master Bedroom and guest bedroom are in the west wing and living room with open floor plan to the kitchen in the East. Nice separation for entertaining and relaxation. All one level living! The large deck and spacious yard completes the whole North woods package! Borders public land to North and Baptism River is across the Cramer Road, many hiking and snowmobiling opportunities nearby!

MLS#6090618 $189,000

D L O S

NEW!! MODERN STYLE HOME IN TOFTE!

Plenty of room to relax in this 3 bedroom home with many recent upgrades thru-out. Large master suite upstairs with lots of natural light! Two guest bedrooms on lower level each have private walkout patios for friends and family to enjoy the sounds of the woods in the morning before the days adventures. Quiet neighborhood makes this a great affordable family home! MLS#6093576

$269,900

D L O S

NEW! DREAMY TOFTE LOG CABIN -NEW CONSTRUCTION!

Lovely home in a wilderness setting very near to Blue Fin Bay on Lake Superior! Spacious eat in kitchen, 2 bedrm 1 bath Mint home with large deck for relaxing after a day of Hiking at Oberg, just minutes away. MLS#6088871

$224,900

NEW!! AFFORDABLE HOME ON FIVE WOODED ACRES OVERLOOKING THE BIG LAKE AND GRAND MARAIS. Cute home, just up the

Gunflint Tr a few minutes from town. Big windows fill with sylvan light and Hardwood floors. Plenty of space and all single floor living. Two bedrooms or make one the office. Nice entryway with room for all the gear that supports our Northern lifestyle. Step outside and begin to imagine: Five acres is roomy, stretch your mind around the possibilities. Right across the Gunflint is the Pincushion X/C ski trail system and biking paths! Gunflint Hills golf course and Downtown Grand Marais are close. Yet, this place is in the woods – best of both worlds. MLS#6093286

REDUCED $199,000

Call TIMBERWOLFF REALT Y or visit w w w.timberwolffrealty.com for more information! NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

Call TimberWolff for Your Fun Times on the Shore! Spring has Arrived! A Wonderful Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!! Time To Walk the Land and See the Homes! Local 663-8777 • Toll free (877) 664-8777

Info@TimberWolffRealty.com

CAMPN’, HUNTN’, FUN GETAWAY LAND, INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE! LUTSEN AREA

SILVER BAY TO SCHROEDER AREAS

Turnagain Trail in Lutsen! Excellent location, minutes to Lutsen Mountains and Lake Superior! Birch forest, with some Spruce and Balsam fir. Three parcels, 5 acres (Pending); 6 acres

26 acres-Lake County’s Cramer Rd! Year round access and electric at the Cramer Rd. Good high ground with a nice mixture of Spruce and Maples!

MLS#6094216 $96,000 AND 9 ACRES MLS#6094217 $135,000.

$64,900 MLS#6093324

Tait Pines Up the Caribou Trail! Named for the towering White Pines that weave throughout Tait Pines, these lots are a fantastic getaway from it all with year round access, electric along the road and fiber to some of the lots. Small lots surrounded by common space bordering the Superior National Forest. A Must See to understand the pristine beauty and canoe access to Tait Lake.

30 acres-near the Manitou River on Hwy 61! Nice location near the Caribou River Wayside for excellent hiking, potential for subdivision.

$109,900 MLS#2309327 SALE PENDING!

MLS#6078839 $42,000; MLS#6028619 $67,500; OR BIG VIEWS MLS#6090031 $50,000; SWEET HILLTOP SITE OVERLOOKING WILLS LAKE MLS#6028619 AND OTHERS, JUST ASK!

24 acres on Blackwoods Drive, approx. 8 miles up the Cramer Rd from the Cross River in Schroeder! Southern sloping maples, beautiful build sites! Electric, fiber, year round access.

$99,900 MLS#6094707

40 acres of Wilderness on the Cramer Rd in Schroeder! Perfect hunting and camping parcel!

Steam Engine Road in the heart of Lutsen! Perfect for your low impact small home on these five acre parcels! Walk to Fika for coffee, grab your days groceries at Clearview and head out for a day of Fun on the Shore!

$52,000 MLS#6093678 SALE PENDING!

TOFTE AREA

MLS#6077951 $37,500 AND OTHERS, JUST ASK!

40 acres near Pancore Lake and Sawbill Trail! Rolling terrain and dense boreal forest land!

Jonvick Creek RARE FIND with creek bordering common land, beautiful build site with distant Lake Superior view!

MLS#6093013 $79,000 SOLD!

MLS#6094704 $57,500 PENDING!

Crosswinds in Tofte! Several build sites available, high ground and excellent location! Walk to Coho Café, or hike the Sawbill to Carlton Peak! Minutes to Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort, or Temperance River State Park is even closer! Year round access, electric at road.

Caribou Hillside overlooking Caribou and Ward Lake! Stunning fall color with maples everywhere! Thoughtfully developed to maximize a great sense of seclusion while in the heart of the Caribou Lake area. Several sites available, but don’t wait, they are selling fast!

MLS#6077966 $69,900 AND UNDER!

MLS#6078781 $40,000 AND OTHERS, JUST ASK!

South Sloping parcels at LeVeaux Mountain! Beautiful build sites, one parcel has a wildlife pond and the other views of Lake Superior from the top! Yr Round access, electric and fiber along the road, sensible HOA makes this a gem to build your dream North Shore home!

Lovely build site overlooking a pond! Located in the Jonvick Creek area, this is a level build site with sensible HOA and a fabulous location. Nice for hiking, snowmobiling and recreating!

MLS#6084134 $32,000

MLS#6089001; MLS#6089003 $67,000 EACH!

Lutsen Build sites with shared septic and well just waiting for your little cabin ideas! Looking for a site to build without spending an arm and a leg? These sites are it! Well and Septic in place, just Build and Enjoy!

MLS#2309328 $39,000 AND OTHERS, JUST ASK ABOUT MINK RANCH! Nice Caps Trail level land bordering the Superior National Forest! Everything you need in your build site, yr round access, electric and fiber at road, and a canoe launch to Tait Lake just a half mile away!

MLS#6092302 $31,900

80 acres in Lutsen! Nice for hunting and camping or to build your wilderness retreat! Wish we could say it was all high ground for this price, but it’s not but who cares, it’s 80 acres of your own land! Awesome wildlife!

MLS#2312987 $99,900

INLAND LAKE LANDS NEW! DEERYARD LAKE: Back to CLARA LAKE IN LUTSEN! the Basics with 2.4 acres and 175ft of shoreline Wilderness Lakeshore Site with cleared on Deeryard Lake! MLS#6090377 build site, driveway in place. Electric at road, 200 ft PRIME shoreline. $169,900 $172,000 SOLD BEST OF THE VILLAGE AT NINEMILE! 1800ft of shared shoreline

MLS#6088357 SOLD

BEST OF THE VILLAGE AT

on Ninemile Lake, great location and sense of NINEMILE! 1800ft of shared shoreline privacy! MLS# 6087908 $37,000 on Ninemile Lake, Great location!

MLS#6087908 $37,000

VISIT US AT WWW.TIMBERWOLFFR EALTY.COM FOR PICTUR E SLIDESHOW! 50

APRIL 2021

NORTHERN WILDS

CATCHLIGHT

bobcat I was having coffee when I noticed motion out the window. I thought it was most likely a red squirrel visiting the bird feeder and was surprised to see this bobcat. It seemed completely comfortable on the deck and nonplussed that I was taking photos from the window. It surveyed the yard and then went down the stairs and into the woods.—Barry Johansen NORTHERN WILDS

APRIL 2021

Green & Brokwinng Treated Dec

ON HAND

Contact Cook County Home Center Today!

COOK COUNTY

HOME CENTER

Mon - Fri: 7 am - 5 pm • Sat: 8 am - 2 pm 1413 E. Hwy 61, Grand Marais • 218-387-1771  Toll-free 1-877-387-1771

COOK COUNTY

DELIVERY

www.acehardware.com - Shop Online and Get Free Shipping to our store!

Thousands of itemsNORTHERN WILDS available 52 APRIL 2021

Northern Wilds April 2021

Articles inside

Reviews

Following the Ancestor’s Steps

Wild Traditions

Fishing Hole

Health

Events

Spotlight

Northern Trails

Sam Cook Tries to Sleep on the Ground

Dining

Points North